I love my life!

I was invited to go to a home where their mother had suffered a similar stroke just about 4 months ago. She was amazing! Her drive is shown by her beautiful family. I am recommitting myself to exercising daily and reading out loud books that are worthy.

I canonize golf!

Saving Strokes, a program of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, had a free event yesterday (2012au29we1000-1300) designed to encourage stroke survivors like me to get out and be active with a game of golf at East Bay Golf Course.

I don't like watching golf but I found ways physically of getting my body back to normalcy through putting and driving.

Unconquerable Soul

 The whole idea about this blog site became a reality for me on Saturday December 31, 2011 around 10:30 at night when I was led to BYUtv's website. Only through divine providence was I led. It would take a guided professional to get through the maze except for me it was a blessing from on high. I was led to "the Butterfly Circus", a youtube version of a short inspirational film. From there I was led to a talk in which the poem Invictus really resonated with me. I hope it will resonate with you.

Invictus by William Earnest Henley
"Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

"In the fell clutch of circumstance,
I have not winced nor cried aloud:
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

"It matters not how straight the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul."

Cashflow 101

Last night my family slept over at the Parks home to play "Cashflow 101".

I never had played Cashflow but I knew that many of our friends loved to play it. So we put the kids to bed, broke open the snacks, and delved into the game. I was surprised how involved the game became. The game began at around 8:30 pm and didn't let up until 2:30 the following morning (but Matt and I didn't quit even though the game was officially over). I thought it was an eye opener to the cashflow mentality. I loved it! I can't wait to play it again.

Days of 47 Parade

Pioneer themes brought different causes together for 'the Days of 47 Parade'. My kids and I camped out for the day watching KSL the Days of 47 parade broadcast, eating, and lounging around. I took a needed nap since I was up 'til 2 this morning finding insights on the computer.

My wife had other plans. She, stalwart as ever, became aware of the need to help at Modbod clothing warehouse today. She and a couple of the Jacots got hired at Modbod clothing at hourly wages for the day (plus free clothing ;) !)

UVU Personal Financial Planning Banquet

My wife, who is a CFP (Certified Financial Planner) and I were invited to UVU's Personal Financial Planning banquet catered by UVU's Culinary Arts program. It was one of the best meals I have ever had, however Ed Morrow, the quest speaker, who founded Financial Planning Consultants back in 1969 spoke. He currently serves as Chairman and CEO of the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants, which under his leadership has grown from 648 to over 8,000. In his speech, he was telling of the potential for life insurance salesmen educating business owners and creating the need. He also showed how they can fulfill the need through life insurance. After he finished and the presentation was done, Deanna and I introduced ourselves. It was more than a coincidence. It was destiny.

Bewail unwritten...I turn over a new leaf

I appologize from the bottom of my heart! My not writing was deplorable! I don't know what to say except I will turn over a new leaf and reform to do better.

Photo credit: macedonemiles.blogspot.com

Foundation of Integrity

Integrity has to be one of the most fundametal, foundational principles that I want to develop in life for without integrity then the people, ideals, and attitudes would become dilusional, imaginary, and slippery. With it, people will trust me, ideals will be standard, and attitudes will be perfect.

I am reminded of a building. The foundation of that building will determine the structure. Because I have a foundation of integrity, the foundation will withstand whatever I wish to create.

Wahoo!!!

I was able to change my google account from my www.neworm.blogspot.com with a different gmail account to my new google account: strokefreeme@gmail.com and the blogger account: www.strokefreeme.blogspot.com!!!

Definition: depression---hollow...sinking of the spirit.

Depression. It's a topic that I don't like to think about...but it is something that all tramatic head injury survivors must deal with---at one time or another.

People are amazed at how upbeat I am. I choose to be positive instead of negative. I choose to look at the bright side of life when it would be so easy to look at the gloomy side instead. I choose uplifting stories that fill me with hope rather than letting things bring me down.

That was not always the case. I am a survivor of an acute stroke which left me paralyzed and speechless. My doctors pronounced, "You will never speak nor walk again due to the totally crippling brain injury that you suffered." One to ten, ten being the worse; I was told that I had a thirteen---never could anyone feel the devastation I felt and my doctors were witnessing, seen from my cat scan. And I was living it. The crippling feeling that I was never going to speak again. Of all the things that I might loose, my attitude was such that I would still succeed in life, in everything---all except one thing. The loss of my speech.

With that being my diagnosis, I had a decision to make. I had to decide whether I would shrink from life or (despite my doctors) I would find a way to speak again. I chose life. I would do everything in my power to find a way. That way was God. With Him, all things are possible to him that believeth.
With Him, many prayers and the will to survive I took a journey over the last 17 years that I would like to share a glimpse of it with you. I have produced a free digital cd entitled, "Hope...even after total devastation." Just let me know where to send my email and I will send you a digital copy.

Thanks for hearing me. Maybe I could be a hope to you. I look forward to our correspondence through email.

StrokeFreeMe

I had a traumatic stroke which left me paralyzed on the right side (everything on the right side---even my right side of my face was paralyzed). My doctors were telling me that I had such a traumatic injury that I would never speak nor walk again; that was 6 months post stroke. I was 24 years young at the time I was paralyzed in 1994.

Jump in time to now. I can speak with anyone. I am going to run a 5k with my twin brother cheering me on, on the 4th of July. I have been married and have 3 beautiful, biological children that I adore. I am building a web presence and a blog (strokefreeme.blogspot.com) and a free digital CD entitled "Hope...even after a traumatic brain injury." I feel driven to speak out to whoever will listen on this devastating experience that turns into a miracle 17 years later.

It's fun to be a family!

I love my family. I got to spend time with my little brother that came up from Dallas, TX. I wish I was able to see him more often. My twin brother will be up here for the 4th of July weekend. I love my wife and each of our children. I love life!