How lucky I am to be on this life journey!
When I woke up in the hospital after suffering a massive hemorrhagic stroke on July 17, 1997, my first thought was, "I have a purpose here on earth. I don't know what it is right now, but I’m here for a reason." I was, at the time, completely paralyzed on my left side and fighting for my life, yet I had this powerful feeling that I wasn't going to die because I had something important to do.

Post-stroke I have come to realize that my purpose is to spread a message of hope through my book, Don't Leave Me This Way, which chronicles my recovery from the devastating effects of stroke. The message is simple: steely determination, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor go a long way toward overcoming even the most imposing obstacles that might confront us on this life journey.

May happiness always be on your doorstep, or in your suitcase on your journey.