About

I had a hemorrhagic (bleed type) stroke about 4 years ago.  It left me paralyzed on my left side.  The doctors set an expectation that I would not work, walk or drive again.  Within 6 months I was doing all three.  I credit the support of friends, family and medical professionals for helping me maintain a positive attitude.  I set out to prove the doctors wrong.

I have played golf, skied and ridden my new motorcycle 7000 miles.

Most importantly I see myself as a better person.  I have a very different perspective on life.  I focus on enjoying what I have.  I endeavor to live every day fully.  Don’t worry about the past or sweat the future…blah blah blah.  Sounds trite, but oh so true.

UPDATE 2012:

Coming up on the 6 year of the anniversary of my stroke in 2006.

Although I did return to work after my stroke, it was necessary that I be in a different “less stressful” role. Although I was very appreciative that my company made accommodations, it just wasn’t the same. Coincidentally, my new perspective on life had caused me to look closely at why I was back at work.

I loved my job?  – Yes, but I wasn’t doing that job anymore.

I needed the money?  – Turns out, not really. I had learned that an hour of meditation was a pretty cool vacation, that I could take myself on at any time… and IT IS FREE. Car and motorcycle are paid for. I have a reasonable mortgage. And I have too many toys! (The definition of enlightenment?)

Having a job in California’s high tech industry makes me cool? – Yes, but having a stroke,  a carbon fiber cane (with flames on it) and a 3 wheel motorcycle with a handicap plate on it makes me just as cool.

It would help me get chicks?  – Maybe, but I already have the one I want.

I loved my company? YES, that is the answer…. or was… until we got bought by an industry giant and my cool little company got “assimilated”.

I got nothing keeping me in this job.  Oh, by the way, the doctor continues to suggest that I am committing suicide. I have single handedly, with no pressure from anyone but yours truly, turned the low stress, 20 hour/week assignment into a deadline filled 50+ hour a week rock fest.  I hate it when doctors are right.

So, I quit working in 2011.

I’m doing lot’s of volunteer work (love it), am back in school (love it), riding my motorcycle whenever I want (need I say love it?).  Life is good.

We now have over 30,000 miles on our Spyder (cool 3 wheel motorcycle).

Last year I bought a Catrike (cool 3 wheel recumbent bicycle), so now getting exercise for the first time since the stroke. And, it is mysteriously providing rehab benefits to my leg. Well, ok, not so mysterious to my physical therapist.

I still feel I am an even better person now than I was before the stroke.