@lisalucier Interesting question.
I think of post-stroke recovery not as something with linear phases, but as having dimensions. They don't happen serially; elements can be independent of the others.

I call these "The Three SU's: SUrvive, SUstain, and SUcceed." I talk about this whenever I have the opportunity to address a group.

Briefly...

Survive means the basics of getting through the day -- getting in and out of bed, feeding myself, getting dressed, keeping myself clean, etc.

Sustain means just that, being able to keep going. Doing the laundry, paying bills, buying groceries, exercising, keeping appointments, etc. Sustaining my YouTube channel gives me a good outlet. It also means sustaining relationships -- staying in touch, getting together with others, staying engaged in my marriage.

Success is something that is loosely defined. Basically, it's anything I feel is a success. The first time I could drive a car. The first time my affected hand started helping without my concentrating on it. The first time I ventured out on my own to have lunch. The first time I could hug my wife with both arms -- that was a big success! Also, when I was invited to give a talk to graduate students at Texas Christian University, I celebrated that. When my silly Dad Jokes started getting aired on local TV, that showed I could still be creative (I write all my own jokes). A big success is whenever I get an email from someone who's seen my YouTube channel and found it helpful.

Since every stroke is different and every stroke patient is different, the parameters will be different. Whenever, I talk to stroke patients (or anyone who's had a major trauma), I suggest they have their own criteria for success.

And I re-evaluate my progress continually. I had hoped to regain more use of my affected side, and maybe I will, but after 7-1/2 years it's not looking good. But I keep working at it.