Pre-stroke, I had spent time growing a wonderful family and building a successful business as a Technology Industry Analyst, columnist, consultant and influencer. I was at the top of my game. Had appeared on countless TV news programs, appeared in thousands of news stories, written countless columns and travelled to every corner of the United States giving keynote addresses at corporate and industry conferences and events.
After many years of hard work, it ultimately paid off as I became one of the key thought leaders in the growing industries of wireless, telecom, technology, AI, IoT and so much more.
After giving a keynote presentation in Las Vegas, I returned home to take the family to the beach for a summer vacation. We had done this same thing several times a year.
This time things were different. On route, we stopped along the way for coffee and burgers, as always. However, this time while with my kids at Starbucks, I ordered a cheeseburger and fries.
The kids laughed. I didn’t know why. That’s when it happened, and I had no idea.
First, I never eat cheeseburgers. Second, I know Starbucks doesn’t sell cheeseburgers. Yet that’s what I ordered.
When we got back to the van and resumed our trip, I could not remember how to get back on the highway. It was just a block away. Instead, I drove us through town in the opposite direction in search of the entrance. Very strange. I was out of sorts. Confused.
Eventually, I found my way back onto the highway, but suddenly felt so sleepy. I could not stay awake. So, I asked my wife to drive for a while as I rested.
I didn’t wake up till we arrived a couple hours later.
My stroke story began on the way to the beach.
I was functionable, but tired and confused. I had no idea what had happened. Neither did my family. There was no pain. No reason to get medical help. I was still able to speak, but I was confused.
However, I could remember everything that happened up until that moment. After that, I could retain nothing.
Fortunately, my brain healed itself by rewiring itself around the dead spot. Unfortunately, it took years to do so.
After spending a few days in the hospital at the beach, I was finally told that I had a stroke. My wife and kids were with me as much as possible. My parents drove to the beach to be with me as well.
That’s when my life changed in an instant.
And it was not just my life, but that of my wife, my children and my parents. Each wanted to jump in and get me back on my feet. Unfortunately, stroke recovery takes years of time and effort.
Of course, in the early years, I wasn’t thinking about how my stroke impacted my family.
My recovery took years. Stroke is not something that heals quickly like a bruise or even a broken bone.
You see, when part of the brain dies, if you are lucky, it can rewire itself, but that takes time. Years.
When we got back home from the beach I went to a neurologist and several specialists. After several months, the news I got from the one of them was devastating. After six months he said I was healed as much as I would. That meant I was stuck where I was. I cried right there in his office next to my wife.
The first six months of recovery were actually quite beautiful. Music, smells, sounds, sights, in fact all of my senses were enhanced. Frankly, it was like living in the Garden of Eden. The world was an incredibly beautiful place.
Then as the months ticked past, that feeling of euphoria passed as well. Suddenly, I was starting to realise the reality. I had a stroke. It was devastating.
I could only remain awake for an hour or two at a time. Then had to take another nap to recharge for the next hour or two. That was my life for years. My body was working hard and long to rebuild the broken pathways.
I believe having a strong, positive, and a never-give-up attitude made all the difference for me. I could have given up. If I had done that, I don’t believe I would have recovered as I have.
Fortunately, I have a neurologist in the family. His name is Dr. David Ober MD. I live in the Atlanta Georgia area, and he lives and practices in New York State. His council was amazing. He was a miracle worker. He helped me more than I can ever say.
Day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year, I continued to recover more and more. During the first five years I actually felt the surge of recovery every few months. That was a signal to me that my brain was rewiring itself, rebuilding itself and turning on new pathways.
These surges ended after six months, but my recovery continued for several years to come.
Thank God, today I am pretty much back to normal. I am once again building my business. What’s funny is, it is amazing how much the world changed in a few short years.
Think about it. Beforehand we were using Blackberry smartphones and now it’s the iPhone and Android. Today, Artificial Intelligence, ChatBots, Internet of Things, the metaverse, automated driving and so much more are changing our lives.
So, my stroke gave me a unique perspective on how much and how fast our world is changing.
What I have learned is that I love life. I love being able to understand and to help others understand. I love writing columns, posting on social media as an influencer, being a consultant, giving comments to the media on their stories.
Basically, I will never retire. Already tried it. It’s not for me.
Now, my family has grown, and my wife is still my most special partner. I love her more than I could ever say. Now, as I travel for business, she comes with me if the trip permits.
The second chapter of our lives, after stroke, can be as rewarding and fulfilling as any other time in our lives. Just different.
I give God credit for helping me recover and heal so completely. That has helped me immensely through the process. It’s amazing what a stroke can do for one’s soul.
So, whether you had a stroke or are a care giver, family member or anyone dealing with the issue, just know recovery can and often does occur.
Sometimes recovery is better and stronger than others, but it always occurs. It does however take time and effort both on the part of the stroke survivor and the family.
Recovery is a long journey. I can’t help you with that. However, what I can help you with is understanding from someone who has been on this path, work hard and recovery to one extent or another will occur.
Both the stroke survivor and their family must be prepared to invest lots of time and effort.
It is not fair, but that’s life. Forget about the unfairness and just get to work, every day, getting stronger and better, one step at a time until you finally get there.
