With the twists and turns of our perpetual motion, we demand solutions to our problems in small doses all the time. Whether it is tiny issues to incredibly difficult decisions, the actions that we establish are both forceful yet flexible.

At intervals though, we don’t even realize the decision that we forge because it is so glaring. However, rarely but still apparent, we are oblivious to the decisions that may overwhelm us for years to come.

A Bad Day

For instants, at the age of 27, I suffered a massive stroke due to the result of a blood clot from my heart to my brain. I slipped into a coma for over a week, barely alive.

Because I was so young, I had not one, not two, but three neurologist round-the-clock trying to save my life. However, all three doctors were mystified due to the fact that my brain was starting to grow larger; so much that it was interfering with my skull. In other words, I was running out of time.

Eventually, one neurologist prescribed a medication that would reduce the swelling in my brain and make me conscious once again. Fortunately, the drugs did work, but the side effects were substantial. Specifically, my entire right side was now paralyzed. Even worse, my nightmare occurred: my communication was completely obliterated. I could not walk, talk, read or write. Literally, I had to learn everything all over for the second time in my life.

Bummer.

Eat Bonbons

Once my survival was assured, my family (who was by my side every step of the way,) asked the doctor what was next for me.

The doctor wasn’t very encouraging. Basically, he indicated three things about my prognosis:

  • Number 1: I was going to be in a wheelchair for the rest of my natural life
  • Number 2: I was never going to work ever again, and probably most importantly for me
  • Number 3: with lots, and lots, and lots of speech therapy, I would retain about 50% of my communication from now until the end of time.

Whoa, nelly!

(By the way, because I was not myself, so to speak, several years later my family informed me what the doctor said. Part of me thought it would be nice that I can eat bonbons and watch television continuously forever.) On a serious note though, I was visibly upset and I knew the large struggles were laying ahead.

Now back in the present, I look at all of the accomplishments, triumphs, and tribulations since my accident and I am so delighted and so thankful that I don’t even know where to start. I guess in some senses, it’s mind over matter when my catastrophe hit.

And it’s funny because when I look at other people even today, they don’t know that I suffered my stroke. Other people are not concerned about my global aphasia, a language disorder that affects the processing of my brain with my communication.

Other people just look at me and realize that I walk with a cane.

That’s it.

And that was the key to my success.

Be Positive. Be Unique. Be Different.

In particular, we construct the capability of achieving anything we want, any purpose that is meaningful, anything objective imaginable if one can try to succeed. The energy to make everything possible is all up to the individual to be better than you were before.

In other words, be positive.

Be unique.

Be different.

So, especially like my E-book titled “Unmistakably Herb – Innovator. Problem solver. Change implementer. Stroke survivor,” I present to you with my reflections of my thoughts for your enlightenment.

That and so much more is my mantra.

How about for you?

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This work (Unmistakably Herb by Herb Silverman) is free of known copyright restrictions.

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