Introduction of a Stroke

June 3, 2014 was a typical late spring day in Atlanta, Georgia, that began according to my normal routine , but ended turning my life upside down. I would immediately retire from my business as a financial advisor for the last 22 years; Although I was a relatively healthy and physically fit man of 64 years of age, I would soon need a caregiver. Also, I was about to begin many months of physical, occupational and speech therapy, to help me relearn how to walk and use my left arm and hand, as well as many of life’s everyday tasks. My left side was nearly totally paralyzed. I could no longer drive my car. I thought my life was over, but I was wrong. I was about to begin the most important and incredible journey of my lifetime, that I will now share with you.

What happened to me on June 3, 2014 was a massive stroke caused by a blood clot that moved from my heart to the right side of my brain. The doctors thought the clot formed due to my having an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation. Otherwise I was very healthy, physically active and in very good shape for my age. Now, I was tempted to be very fearful, and to blame myself for all the misfortune. But, now I had been given the opportunity to really utilize my faith in the God who saved me from death. Rather than wonder why this happened to me. And ask why God allowed this. I’m convinced He allowed this to happen to me to allow me to show His greatness in my recovery. Read Jeremiah 29:11- “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope”.