A FACE ONLY A MOTHER CAN LOVE

MEET MY DOG OTIS

THE ONLY ONE GOOD THING ABOUT THE WORST DROUGHT IN 150 YEARS

Lots and Lots of warm sunshine!

I KNOW THIS HOW WE ARE SUPPOSED TO FEEL IN OUR HEARTS

STROKE SURVIVORS HALL of FAME NEW NOMINEE FORM-GLOBAL

The link below (Stroke Survivors Hall of Fame Nominee Form) can be used by anyone worldwide. Your not a member of our awesome FaceBook Group? Wish you were, but you can still use the nominee form worldwide! When you hit submit your nominee information will automatically be emailed to all HOF voting panel members. Their names will be posted shortly.

 http://form.jotform.co/form/33590670228860


Link to HOF group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SSHF1/

GOOOOOOO! STROKE SURVIVORS!

MAKING THE PLANET A BETTER PLACE!

THE SCSS WORLDWIDE FOR HECK OF IT SHOW

http://youtu.be/zsl_auoGuy4

SOME TOP LEASONS LEARNED IN 2013

SOME TOP LEASONS LEARNED IN 2013

1. Life on this planet is a gift.
2. The key to true enlightenment is.....there is no box.
3. The world is a small place.
4. True friends are priceless.
5. Don't trust everyone on FaceBook.
6. True and real love is the most powerful force on this planet.
7. True family is awesome.
8. I love my wife Rebecca more now than I did 22 years ago.
9. My very best friend on the face of this planet is Rebecca Avila.
10. True family and friends are the ones who never leave your side during the hard times in life.
11. True family and friends are a gift in this life.
12. I truly love my SCSS brothers and sisters.
13. The human brain is very powerful.
14. True fulfillment in life is putting others needs first.
15. Have zero tolerance for anyone that brings negative energy into your life no matter who they are.
16. Truly cherish your true loved ones.
17. Pause in our busy lives to soak in all that is beautiful.
18. My son Ryan is now my equal

I'll add to it as I think of more!

I NEEDED TO HEAR THE SCSS THEME SONG....DID YOU?

I NEEDED TO HEAR THE SCSS THEME SONG....DID YOU?

http://youtu.be/Gi4GQG8xESM

I ALWAYS FOLLOW MY HEART

I think you need to know something critical to who I am as a man.. I 100% listen to leading of my heart no matter what. It has lead me to everything SCSS is today!
So if you have a different opinion then what my heart tells me, don't take it personally my brothers and sisters around the world, I must always follow my heart .......always!


LOVE YOU ALL WITH EVERY FIBER OF WHO I AM AS A MAN!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

*SCSS STROKE SURVIVOR HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES-2013*

*SCSS STROKE SURVIVOR HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES-2013*

By Kristi Jones Pridemore on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at 10:28pm

PEOPLE CATEGORY 
1. Donna Slemp~12/17/13
2. Kristi Jones Pridemore~12/18/13
3. Jessica Hellwig Spear~12/1/13
4. Christine Huggins~12/8/13
6. Carol Dow-Richards~12/10/13
7. David Dow~12/9/13
8. Aaron Avila~12/8/13
10. Kathy Bell~12/18/13
11. Dominica Webster~12/18/13
12. Richard Davenport~12/18/13
13. "Koala- no games" Giovano Fusco~12/19/13
14. Mycle Brandy~12/19/13
15. Amanda Breckenridge~12/19/13
16. Robert P. Thornton~12/19/13
17. Cathy Fell~12/20/13
18. Joe fell~12/2013
19. Jenny Harris~12/20/13
20. Connie Phipps~12/20/13

FACE BOOK GROUP CATEGORY 
1. ARC-Aphasia Recovery Connection~12/9/13
2. Second Chance Stroke Survivors~12/7/13
3. Stroke Talk For Face Book~12/18/13

WEBSITE CATEGORY 
1. Brendon's Smile~12/1/13
2. Different Strokes ~12/10/13
3. Aphasia Recovery Connection~12/9/13

COMMUNITY SERVICE 
1. Santa Rosa Junior College APE~12/18/13

BOOKS CATEGORY 
1. My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D.
2.Tales of a Stroke Patient by Joyce Hoffman 
3. Speach Therapy Aphasia Rehabilitation by Amanda Anderson CCC-SLP

2014 RECLAIMING LIFE

WAM (What's on Aaron's Mind)

I woke up at 3:00am with so many powerful, amazing and creative ways we can support and help each other through stroke survival around the world, I couldn't sleep. (not good when I went to bed at 11:00pm! What's even worse, I woke the wife up! So needless to say I will no longer be on line from 10pm to 5:00am PST.

So my plan is to create Face Book Pages and files for very specific purposes. Where not just I post my ideas but all SCSS members can post creative ideas. A worldwide stroke survivors think tank if you will.

I would also like to announce that Jennifer Ribbentrop and I are going to start a global movement called 2014 RECLAIMING LIFE!
This worldwide movement will be focusing on, Stroke Survivor health, exercise, mental, spiritual health and so much more! Look for this 
Want to get evolved? I will be creating a Face Book Page this week ....look for it! .Contact Jennifer or myself. Remember this is a grass roots movement so be patient.
Here are just a few things I woke up with:

• implement 2014 RECLAIMING LIFE!
• Create a FaceBook page and online store where stroke survivors from around the world can post any item to sell to help raise money for themselves and their families.
• Create a website called Stroke Connect that gives stroke survivors from around the world a central website they can register all their information and find local stroke related services and events, connect with other stroke survivors in there local area.

If you want to help me with anything ,email me and let me know: 2livesin1@gmail.com

There was more butt getting tired....,worked all morning ...7:50am...going back to bed.....

HOPE YOU HAVE A GRREAT DAY  MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS !

Sincerely,
Aaron Avilla

COMING SOON!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ-e3_31sdM

TO ONE OF OUR NEW SCSS MEMBERS Amanda Breckenridge WELCOME!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSmOvtHUWHc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es1lUMcXx7k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfnZfNJdBOA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfnZfNJdBOA

SILENT NIGHT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erGV4Y-26PY

One of my nominations for induction into The SCSS Stroke Survivors Hall of Fame 2014

OUR NEW SCSS FB BANNER

THE SINGLE MOST POWERFUL VIDEO I'VE SEEN WHILE ON THIS PLANET

THANKS TO MY AWESOME COUSIN TRENTON WATERSON!


http://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_the_game_that_can_give_you_10_extra_years_of_life.html?source=facebook#.UrZQkSoV_kd.facebook

JUST WAIT IT'S GOING TO BETTER THAN BEFORE!

You know brothers and sisters of SCSS I been working for hours removing everything  I can with the Superman logo and it hit me!

This is turning out to be a great thing for all of us at SCSS!

It has forced me to create a 100% SCSS logo that I think is better than the first and it will be 100% ours!!!

Made me realize how we have a choice... ..only two when faced with what feels like an insurmountable situation  ... we can choose to run, hide and let the dark energy crush us...or....stay calm and take a deep breath, muster up some good energy and find what good things and energy are coming out of it! 

We must always must choose the way of the survivor! 

That is who we are..........Second Chance Stroke Survivors!

DO YOU WANT THE BAD NEWS OR GOOD NEWS?

Bad News
DC Comics has denied SCSS any further use of the Superman logo...my bad. Sorry peeps I honestly did my best!

Good News!
Thanks to my awesome wife Rebecca, our creative brains already came up with an even better one! I will give you a mock up as soon as I complete it....and it's going to be 100% SCSS's!

GOOOOOO! STROKE SURVIVORS!

NOTHING CAN STOP US BECAUSE WE'RE STROKE SURVIVORS!

*SCSS STROKE SURVIVOR HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES*

*SCSS STROKE SURVIVOR HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES*

PEOPLE CATEGORY 
1. Donna Slemp~12/17/13
2. Kristi Jones Pridemore~12/18/13
3. Jessica Hellwig Spear~12/1/13
4. Christine Huggins~12/8/13
6. Carol Dow-Richards~12/10/13
7. David Dow~12/9/13
8. Aaron Avila~12/8/13
10. Kathy Bell~12/18/13
11. Dominica Webster~12/17/13
12. Richard Davenport~12/18/13
13. "Koala- no games" Giovano Fusco~12/19/13

FACE BOOK GROUP CATEGORY 
1. ARC-Aphasia Recovery Connection~12/9/13
2. Second Chance Stroke Survivors~12/7/13
3. Stroke Talk For Face Book~12/18/13

WEBSITE CATEGORY 
1. Brendon's Smile~12/1/13
2. Different Strokes ~12/10/13
3. Aphasia Recovery Connection~12/9/13

COMMUNITY SERVICE 
1. Santa Rosa Junior College APE~12/18/13

BOOKS CATEGORY 
1. My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D.
2.Tales of a Stroke Patient by Joyce Hoffman 
3. Speach Therapy Aphasia Rehabilitation by Amanda Anderson CCC-SLP

Like

Like

SUNSET TONIGHT

POSITIVE ENERGY NEEDED!

MAJOR WAM (What's on Aaron's Mind )

Hold your breath...cross your toes......DC Comics has requested our SCSS T graphics and is currently considering  giving SCSS written permission and endorse to use the Superman logo!

All those from the corporate world know just how huge this is! It's much easier for a corporate giant like DC Comics just to say no right up front!

If we can land this, stroke survivors from around the world should celibate!

Sincerely;
Aaron Avila
CEO
Second Chance Stroke Survivors
PS: Special thanks to Michael Brester-Smith for your help!

OFFICIAL SCSS STROKE SURVIVORS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

https://www.facebook.com/notes/stroke-survivors-hall-of-fame/hall-of-fame/424413107686637

I WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE A FB GROUP TO INDUCT INTO THE STROKE SURVIVORS HALL OF FAME

https://www.facebook.com/groups/strokeforFBsupport/

The creator of this group helps 100's of stroke survivors. Kristy inspires me!

I LOVE THANKSGIVING TWICE

If you don't know the bacon trick.......you should!

MY SON RYAN AND I

IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER

As I'm sitting here in my mobility device in my backyard,  the most awesome sunshine, all warm, wife in the kitchen cleaning up after an awesome breakfast. ...as far as stoke survival goes, I'm a very lucky man!!!!!

THE SCSS WORLDWIDE JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT SHOW

A CHRISTMAS MEMORY

For those that don't know I lived in Southern Oregon (Grants Pass) for 7 years of my first chance at this life. I saw a post by a young man now (back then he was like 10) being Christmas, it triggered a great memory.
You see we had some very close friends, Carl and Stacy Witz
Okay let me say probably not the most responsible, but a great memory non the less.......
So my buddy Carl Witz, his wife Staci Witz, Rebecca and myself got together almost every weekend to play poker and Carl and I, (girls also) would get so stinking drunk!)
In fact, my buddy Carl and I (after many drinks) used to have this thing that only true brothers would do. Right in the middle of our poker game, either Carl or myself would nudge the poker table towards the other. Now the girls knew all hell was about to break loose!
Carl and I would begin to wrestle like only two brothers can do!
Card table can go flying, heads bouncing off walls and on the great ones blood would be flowing!
Well I remember one Christmas eve, the kids were tracking Santa on the computer and the adults all played poker....needles to say Santa almost didn't make it that Christmas!
GREAT TIMES!
Thank you Witz family!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

A MUST READ!

From the album: Mobile Uploads

By Robin Schneider

I've been going to the same hairdresser for the last 20 years. Today while I was in her chair we talked about how I'm dealing with my post stroke brain injury. My mother had explained to her how different I am and has sought her support as her husband has a very similar brain inj...ury. I startle easily, I can't multitask, loud noises are horrible and painful, I'm more withdrawn, I drop everything, I trip often, my hand is numb, I feel numb emotionally and I don't always react well emotionally in difficult situations. Some people have been patient and understanding, others not so much. Most people don't really notice but my family and children really do. Today I asked her what I could do to reconnect with my children emotionally, I know they are mourning a loss as the more noise they make the more I need to get away. She told me to sit down and make paper chains and snowflakes with them and to try wearing earplugs. It was amazing, we laughed, smiled, talked and made more eye contact than we have in months. They are so happy tonight. Thank you Heather for always giving me the best advice and hair ♥

THE SCSS WORLDWIDE JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT SHOW

THE DOG THAT CAN STACK ANYTHING ON HIS HEAD

http://distractify.com/fun/humor/scout-is-the-single-most-composed-dog-on-the-planet/

COME VOTE TO INDUCT DIFFERENT STROKES INTO THE STROKE SURVIVORS HALL OF FAME

Since I started Second Chance Stroke Survivors in the U.S. there has been one group on Face Book that has impressed me from the start.Hands down Different Strokes in the United Kingdom is off the hook impressive! What and how they help unite stroke survivors from around the world while doing so much to unite stroke survivors locally and to provide much needed resources to all stroke survivors. We all know that being a stroke survivor leaves you feeling so isolated and alone!
THANK YOU TO ALL THE STAFF AT DIFFERENT STROKES!
Truly making the planet a better place!

HOW?
Join my new group https://www.facebook.com/groups/420980304696584/ look for this nomination and hit like to vote yes to induct.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/differentstrokesuk/

COME VOTE TO INDUCT ARC INTO THE STROKE SURVIVORS HALL OF FAME!

Join the group below, find my nomination for ARC, hit like for yes vote. EVERY VOTE COUNTS!
ttps://www.facebook.com/groups/420980304696584/421791524615462/?notif_t=like

My favorite Christmas song!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Jx0yDTrot4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Milo and me!

GO FOR IT!

HOW EVERY LARGE CORPORATION SHOULD TREAT CUSTOMERS

http://youtu.be/zIEIvi2MuEk

JOIN MY NEW GROUP TODAY

Join my new group today!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/420980304696584/

THE HEART OF A STROKE SURVIVOR

THE SCSS WORLDWIDE JUST FOR FUN SHOW

http://youtu.be/YCXy07J5ZWA

THE BOSS

https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/1475839_10200929318297186_1370698777_n.jpg?oh=3844f39980414c85d02c43d12bc5880a&oe=52A81D13

FRAGILE LIFE

So I'm just pondering about how fragile our lives are on this planet. How stroke survivors live through what kills 1,ooo's of people each year. How most of us take for granted our very lives and the people within it. How we live and do things to our bodies like we're immortal and never going to die and the people we hold close will always be there the next day.

I know because I was one of them!

Surviving a major aneurysm exploding in my brain and two weeks later surviving a major stroke, one day, in a blink of an eye I couldn't walk and talk anymore.

Have you ever heard that saying .....You don't  what you have until you loose it? How simple yet so so true this statement really is!

I walked and talked with no effort but I didn't realize what I had until I lost it!

So today I challenge you my brothers and sisters of this planet, change your mind set! Make today the day you stop taking your life, your abilities, those special people in your short life for granted. With a heart filled with gratitude, realize, and become acutely aware of the precious abilities and all the precious people that fill your life.

Take  time to say "I love you" to all the people  you hold close to your heart. Make today the day you stop taking it all for granted.

XENA THE WORIER UNICORN

MY NEXT MOBILITY SCOOTER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy5rkw4SeP4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

IS THIS REALLY ME

I experienced something yesterday that deeply upsets me.

I said several hurtful things to the ones I need most. My son Ryan and wife Rebecca.
It was like it wasn't me!

Deeply upset that I would even say hurtful words like I did!
It felt like I was disconnected from my own words!
STROKE!

Than how do you explain this stroke issue to a non stroke survivor so they understand? You can't really and that makes it even more frustrating!
I love my family with all my heart!

Stroke survival has got to be the most difficult life event a person and family can go through on this planet!

HOW AWESOME

You know since my stroke 3 years ago I've learned a tremendous amount about the gift I have through stroke about the awesomeness and power of the creative brain. 

So I have dear friend Nichole Worden whom, last I knew, moved to Hawaii. She also has the gift of a truly creative brain. 

Not having a stroke she is able to express it like I've never seen in my life! Human energy that is off the hook!

Last night I'm sitting in my backyard like I do every night playing on my laptop. We hear an old time motorcycle out front....

Can't be for us...we don't know anyone with a classic motorcycle.

Then I hear the doorbell ring.........what?.........who is it?

In a leather jacket, carrying a helmet riding an early 1900's Harley.......Nicole walks in!!

So excited! She is on the main land for a whole month! And she's coming over for dinner Thursday!

HOW LUCKY AM I!

CHRISTMAS

For 22 years my amazing wife Rebecca has made Christmas ..  ..... Christmas.
Something spectacular occurs once a year. It never gets old it only gets better with each passing year. Especially this year when I'm fully aware I should be dead..... but I'm alive! This year is different!
I am more aware than ever that I have been given a Second Chance to truly appreciate it. I will not take it for granted. I will soak it all in like never before! Thank you Rebecca for being a truly gifted person!
I've got to be one of the most blessed men on the planet to have a wife like you!
Thank you for making me forward to Christmas each and every year!
You make me so grateful to be given a Second Chance!

ANOTHER MOVEMENT THAT MAKES THIS PLANET A BETTER PLACE

http://youtu.be/rugSZIFY7mc

IT'S A BIG WORLD....SAY SOMETHING

I got this awesome song from a young lady in her 20's that is truly going to make this planet a better place.....I know it with all my heart....because in her life on this planet she's saying something!
YOU ALSO HAVE VALUE AND HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY THAT WILL MAKE YOUR PLANET A BETTER PLACE.....SAY SOMETHING!

http://youtu.be/VVgixOjGhVU

BOUND AROUND THE WORLD AS ONE

WAM (What's on Aaron's Mind)-POWERFUL
So pretty much since I created SCSS 6 months ago, there has been a brother Denny Wehrung whom I have not got chance to talk to until now!
For those that have been a stroke survivor for a while you know just how hard it is if not impossible to find fellow stroke survivors that have the same deficits you do? To share common struggles specific to the deceits you have. (I believe we are all bound together as one. Bound by one of the most powerful forces on the planet as Second Chance Stroke Survivors) But there was something so inspiring to talk with that fellow survivor struggling with the exact same struggles as you!
I met him today and SCSS made it possible!
Ya he was in Pennsylvania and I'm in California but we were able to connect like mankind has never done before!
I got a new SCSS slogan from it......"Taking stroke recovery to whole different level".
WE ARE BOUND TOGETHER AS ONE AROUND THE WOLD THROUGH STROKE SURVIVAL!

THANKSGIVING

I wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving!
I want everyone to know that I'm so very thankful that each and everyone of you are a vital part of my Second Chance life on this planet!
Lots of real love,
Aaron

AARON'S NEW WHEELCHAIR

I just placed an order for one today....lol

THANKSGIVING DAY QUESTION?

Name your top #1 Thanksgiving Day dish?

EVERY DAY YOUR ALIVE

TRUE OR FALSE?

TRUE OR FALSE?

Life after stroke can not occur until  he or she let's go of his or her first life and accepts what he or she is currently and moves forward to improve it.

ABOUT ME

About Aaron Avila

Hi I thought you may want to know who I am.

Cuurently Age: 50 September 1st 1963

Age 47 when I had a major aneurysm and two weeks later had a major stroke: 

September 17th 2010. The day the course of my life changed forever!

Deficits: Can’t walk, Aphasia, Balance issue

Married 22+ years to one of the most awesome and amazing women on the planet! Rebecca Avila

Father to the most awesome son on the planet!  

Ryan Avila 22                                                                                                 

Born and Raised: Santa Rosa California

Adopted to Verne and Nonie Avila

How I truly feel:

I was the type of guy that could do about anything I set my mind to. Cutting down a 80’ tree….no problem! Designing a water or rain harvesting system…..no problem! Running a crew building an 100,000 gallon water storage tank…………..no problem! Running and owening my own companies National Storage Tank and Rain Harvesting Solutions Inc. for over 12 years BS (Before Stroke) done!

Then the course of my life would change forever!

I was doing the day to day grind and I truly believe there was only one thing that would stop me dead in my tracks! A stroke and near death experience!
This is a really condescend version.

This cataclysmic event in my life forced me to fully reevaluate all the things I, like most everyone, took for granted!

Life itself, walking, talking, feeling one with my body, family, friends but I truly believe that I’ve been given a SECOND CHANCE! I would come to believe whole heartedly that this was a gift! Yes this stroke is the hardest thing I would ever face!!! But I was alive! Given a gift that the majority of people on this planet don’t have! The chance to live two lives in this one! A second chance to learn not to take it all for granted!

In beginning part of me was so angry, suicidal, and felt ripped off but what I have learned since my stroke makes it all worth it! I should have a big sign on my forehead…….Under Major Re-Construction! I’m far from learning it all!

I would have to say and know with all my heart that if it was not for my incredible family and friends and their support I’d be in a much different place!

Tears of thankfulness run down my face! Go stroke survivors!

WE'RE NOT VICTIMS WE'RE SURVIVORS!

Never Give Up!

With allot of care!

Aaron Avila

IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE ANYTIME ANY AGE

http://youtu.be/0ZVQDQktawQ

SCSS Presents "THE SCSS WORLDWIDE FOR THE HECK OF IT SHOW!

http://gawker.com/the-worlds-tallest-waterslide-looks-as-terrifying-as-i-1467661327?utm_campaign=socialflow_gawker_facebook&utm_source=gawker_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

CLARITY

I'm getting ready to take my nap and it hits me!
That moment in time when it dawns on you!
I haven't walked since Sept 17th 2010, I'm paralyzed on my left side, I can't talk very well and yet I'm influencing the planet!
Changing lives around the globe! Personally transforming peoples lives!
Feeling honored to call stroke survivor's from around the world my brothers and sisters!
HOW AWESOME IS THAT!!!

SCSS Worldwide laugh therapy!

http://youtu.be/dmQh5b6lZ28

SCSS PRESENTS "THE JUST FOR FUN SHOW"

http://youtu.be/5T68TvdoSbI

INSPIRED BY AN 8 YEAR OLD

Don't think you can learn from an 8 year old? Think again!
I have had the honor and privilege of becoming friends of an amazing mom (Jessica Spears) and her son (Brendon). Brendon, I call "Little Man" have truly inspired me!
You see Brendon, like many others around the world suffered a stroke while in his mothers womb. To this day Brendon holds the youngest stroke survivor I have ever known.
His amazing mother has dedicated her life raising awareness of this occurrence called  Childhood (Pediatric) Stroke.  Please take time to visit their website at: http://brendonssmile.org/
His mom was feeling bad for what he has to deal with as a child told Brendon how she was feeling, Brendon replied "Don't feel bad mom, I was born to help people"
WOW!
The ultimate stroke survivor attitude!

MY NEW SLOGAN IS "BORN TO HELP PEOPLE"

THESE ARE NOW IN STOCK AHEAD OF SCHEDULE! ORDER NOW!

DEVASTATION

GOT THIS AWESOME VIDEO FROM OUR East Coast member Avi Golden
http://vimeo.com/72950953

THE HARDEST ROAD TO INLIGHTENMENT

This is my brain so I don't expect you to agree.
Since the hardest life event I feel a human can go through on this planet.....my stroke, I have found that my brain has changed completely.
The true meaning to our lives on this planet I'm now starting to understand.
The awesome power of human energy and our brains has overwhelmed me.
The planet is now become my playground!
Who of you know anyone that can say....they have impacted the whole planet? I can!
My pasion in and drive has gone from self preservation in my first chance and in my second chance it's become other's preservation. Ya I haven't walked for over 3 years, I can't talk very well but what I'm learning feels worth it!
My heart breaks every time I come across a stroke survivor depressed and longing to be like they were in there first life but see themselves as stroke victims instead of survivor's!
Strong like no other. ...a survivor of what kills most! I mean I'm for sure supposed to be dead!
But I'm alive!
I've been given a second chance!
I mean who do you know that they have lived 2 distinct lives in this one?
I can!
I've been given a second chance!

SEASON SALE ON SCSS T'-S! 25% OFF!

TRUTH

 

I woke this morning with a realization how exact and true this insight to the life is. How we loose a deep core value of our own life and  the people in our lives when we live like we are are never going to die. For before my stroke and near death event, I also lived like I was never going to die. Going through the grind never stopping to realize how the gift of life on this planet will without fail end.
When we live like we are never going to die we miss out on the deep appreciation of our own life and the people given to us in our lives. Our own lives and people in our lives become less valuable.
So today my dear brothers and sisters given to me in my life let us realize and become deeply aware that we are all part of the circle of life. The short gift of birth, life and death is part of who we are. Realizing this, let us stop the grind to tell ones close to our hearts how much we love and appreciate them. Stop and enjoy the sun rise the sunset, the stars and the awesome beauty on our planet. That argument we just had with our loved one will not be so important knowing that the circle of life stops for no man on this planet.

MY MUSE!

Since my stroke I can name one person who has motivated me to write and begin to put my thoughts in a Blog......................my Muse  is Joyce Hoffman.
Joyce is the Author of the awesome book TALES Of A STROKE PATIENT.
She is a beautiful and gifted person!
Do you need to be inspired?
Read her book!

Gorgeous!

I love Sonoma County weather!!!!
6:58pm 72 degrees...................November 1st.......!
OFF THE HOOK BEAUTIFUL!

DIVINE

So, I have an awesome 22 year old son named Ryan and we were talking last night, just him and I. I'm always telling how lucky we are that I did not have my stroke when he was young! How my heart breaks when I see young stroke survivors with young children. We were fortunate to live a lifestyle before my stroke that most only dream of when their 60.

We would spent 3-4 days a week in the summer on a lake.............wake boarding and fishing in our 18' wake board boat. Self employed! 

12 years self employed, owner of National Storage Tank and Rain Harvesting Solutions Inc. Allowed our family to spend most of the summer on a lake!

Owned a 40' triple slide 5th wheel pulled behind an 08 awesome Dodge diesel, Inferno Red, Mega Cab. Allowed us to buy and sell 4 houses in 2 states. Lived on and were members of a semi-private golf course where I got a 198 yard hole in one! Played more golf than most do in a lifetime. Lots of the most awesome family times we could have! Taught my son to play ball, shoot, fish, wake board and a whole lot more!

Ryan said last night it's like..................divine! 

We were allowed to live this awesome lifestyle early before my massive stroke!

Fortunate? Divine? Yes! With every fiber of my being, I say yes!

Hard to believe but we're................. I'm glad I had my massive stroke when I did!

DIVINE!

I'M NOT A VICTIM! I'M A SURVIVOR!

WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE A STROKE SURVIVOR

I thought I would take some time and try to put into words what it's like to survive a stroke. Use the comments section below to tell me your version. So here goes!
One second your living your life as normal, walking, talking, your brain controlling your body flawlessly, working as one without any thought to whats happening. THEN..................STROKE OR ALSO KNOWN AS A BRAIN ATTACK!
Your life as you knew it ends........
Your now someone completely different! As if your old self dies and you emerge a stroke survivor. For me waking up for the first time knowing something is really wrong with me. You can't move the left side of your body. Your paralyzed, you can't walk anymore, you can't speak intelligible words, your brain seems to be totally disconnected from your body. You can no longer write but can only make only squiggly lines. You can no longer hold the courser of a mouse on a computer because you now tremor so badly. You can't chew or swallow anymore.......scary.... yes! Can't even put words together that would describe the fear you feel.
All you can think about is what just happened! You were just fine one minute and now your laying in a hospital bed with all kinds of beeping machines hooked to you! I mean you can't fathom the fear!
TO BE CONTIUED

I think I figured out how to do 1 T listing with pull down variances

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I don't normally post anything political but this is to good not to share!

http://youtu.be/ML3qYHWRIZk

STRENGTH

https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1395119_738335729514246_483945844_n.jpg

THE PLAN

Hey Peeps!

My plan is tomorrow is to put on E Bay the (L) in every color option available to you! All SCSS T-Shirts are 100% cotton so order 1 size larger!

All T’s will be silk screened by a local small business and are made in the  U.S.A.

Every purchase:

Helps stroke survivors worldwide

Helps grow the SCSS mission

Will give SCSS a greater online presence

Open an SCSS online store

ROUND UP YOUR PENNY’S AND BUY A FEW!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOO STROKE SURVIVORS!!!

MAKING THE PLANET A BETTER PLACE!!! 

WAM-EARTH WALKERS

WAM (What's on Aaron's Mind)
Being the kind of stroke survivor that can't walk, since my stroke back on September 17th 2010. I often just sit in the car while Rebecca goes into the grocery store real quick. So while waiting I realized their walking on planet earth! So I nick named them Earth Walkers.
I can remember, I was one of them years ago! It seemed so easy, so fluid, so care free!
Then I had a conscious awareness moment.
I took it all for granted! My whole life.................until my stroke!
Look! The Land Walkers all take it for granted also. The brain flawlessly moving their body's, effortlessly, Like water running down a stream.
Take it for granted? I'm telling you don't!
In a blink of an eye your whole world can change!
Remember to tell all those precious to you, that hold a special place in heart, that you love them!
Take it from me, life can change in a blink of an eye!!!

Medium SCSS Camo T now available!

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I NEED YOUR HELP PEEPS!

I NEED YOUR HELP PEEPS! 
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY JUST FOLLOW MY ITEMS ON E bay MAKES ME LOOK GOOD! THANKS!
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And you girls thought I forgot about you! NO WAY!

And you girls thought I forgot about you! NO WAY! Hot Pink will come in 5 different logo color options!

'http://www.ebay.com/itm/131025878459?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649

GOT TEACHER?

!!!!!!!! BLOG ALERT !!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BLOG ALERT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOUR GOOD ENERGY AND PRAYERS ARE NEEDED! MY BROTHER RANDY TERRY'S WIFE JAN WHO HAD A STROKE 4 MONTHS AGO HAD ANOTHER MEDICAL EMERGENCY AT WORK TODAY. 
SHE IS NOW GETTING AN MRI.
I'll keep you updated as I get it!

SHORT BUT SWEET

"You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything"

BEING POSITIVE WILL ALTER YOUR FUTURE

Optimistic Brain: Positive thinking can change your life!

Take a moment before you go to bed tonight to relish in all that was good about your day.

Perhaps you enjoyed the company of a close friend. Perhaps you helps someone in need. Perhaps you simply enjoyed the sunshine or some element of nature.

What ever it is, focus on that positive aspect of your day. When you consciously and deliberately do this on a regular basis you WILL start to retrain your brain to do it automatically.

Give it a try for a couple of weeks and see how much better you feel

THE BEGINNING

I am creating this doc of what I was feeling during the first days of coherent awareness as a stroke survivor hope it helps you!

I remember first coming around not being able to speak and not being able to move my left half of my body. I will say it was the scariest point in time of my life!

I remember saying to myself I can just shake this off............telling myself, like any illness, I will feel better in a few days. 

Than it hit me like a brick wall just fell on me! 

This is very serious! This event is not just going to go away like a cold!

I am paralyzed on my left side, I can't speak words I can only think them, I can't sit up in bed without falling over this is very serious! But I still found myself convinced I was just going to get up from my bed and walk out of here!

After all it's me! How bad can it be?

I’ve always been the type of guy that gets up after being knocked down!

I had to face the fact that this was not going away! This reality scared the shit out of me! This can't be happening to me! Brain aneurysm? Stroke? I didn't even know what they were. I've heard about them, but they happen to other people but not me! This realization brought on a flood of emotions.......... Anger, fear, suicidal thoughts and more!

I found myself lying in my hospital bed, scared to no end, confused and angry and battling denial!

I had to fight like never before in my life! Fight to retain who I was as a person!

One of the hardest emotions I battled was the inability to tell my family how scared I was and how I loved them and needed them! Again I could think it but had no ability to verbalize it..............my speech was gone.

In a blink of an eye my life as I knew was over and a new life had occurred.

TO BE CONTINUED…………………

CHANGE IN THE SKY

As most of you know I love getting up an hour or two before sunrise and star gaze.
About a week ago I noticed something spectacular. As the fall air gets colder and thinner, more stars have become visible. The stars have went from billions to billions and billions!
It's an  incredible the change!
I now get to view even more awesomeness in the universe!
If you haven't taken the time to stop and look up..............I encourage you to pause in your busy lives and look up at the stars in the sky!
Take a deep breath and soak the universe in!
If it does for you what it does for me you may find perceptive there!
For me, it puts in perspective the hardships of lives troubles.
So take a minute with the family and look up to the universe!
It's awesome!

IF YOUR GIVEN A SECOND CHANCE

STROKE SURVIVAL THE HARDEST

WAM (What's on Aaron's Mind)
I can honestly say that I think stroke survival just may be one of the hardest life events a person can go through on this planet! It strips a person down to the very core of who they are! But we are different than most..................we're survivors and we must never stop fighting!.................we are survivors!
Every day we're alive on this planet has now become a gift! We are alive when we should be dead!
WE ARE SURVIVORS AND WE ARE STRONG!
http://youtu.be/Gi4GQG8xESM

NFL PINK?

WAM (What's on Aaron's Mind)
So I'm sitting here watching the Packers vs Ravins game and I'm just amazed at how much pink I'm seeing!  What an awesome movement!

THE MOST INCREDABLE WOMEN ON THE PLANET

When I got up from my so called nap really a rest,, I felt the strong tug to wright this Blog. So here goes!

There is one person that has been close to my side like no other person on the face of this planet. One that has always been tight by my side and never left it! During the scariest, darkest time I have ever known on this planet. My wife, my everything, my one true love Rebecca Avila.
Who has proven to be stronger than I think she even realizes.
If it was not for Rebecca, my life, as I know it today would not exist. From the time my aneurysm exploded in my brain until this very day she has been tight by my side. In my book I owe her my life!
When I couldn't speak..............she spoke for me...............when I couldn't fight.............she fought for me................ Her name is Rebecca Avila.
She never has let me down!
She keeps our family together, a roof over our head and incredible meals in our bellies.............her name is Rebecca.
She is an amazing women!
Strong? That word is not powerful enough to describe her. Awesome!.............closer. Her name is Rebecca!
With every fiber of me as a man...................thank you Rebecca! Thank you for all you have done, currently do and will do for me and your family..................THANK YOU!

One handed can opener

One handed can opener

 http://youtu.be/xo4b__YNmUg

TALES OF A STROKE PATIENT: HOW TO CHANGE YOUR MIND

http://stroketales.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-to-change-your-own-mind-literally.html?spref=fb

Fall is an amazing time of year

One of the good things that comes from almost dieing is you get this new and deep appreciation for what you have in your life.
One of the things I really get allot of awesome life energy from is waking up at around 5am just about an hour before the sun starts rising and soaking in the magnificent beauty of the stars and the universe that surrounds our planet. Awesome does not even describe it.
I get a great deal of perspective out of it. I begin to think in all my troubles and issues on this massive planet I am just a particle of dust in the universe.
Taking me out of my tiny world with all it's troubles and realizing I can do this!
Try it and let me know what you get out of it?

Only 3 choices

Inlightenment

I have come to learn that Budah said that true inlightenment can only come from bodily suffering.
It's my opinion that makes every stroke survivor on the planet eligible to be totally inlightened.
Maybe it only comes down to how we view our stroke survival?

I REMEMBER THE DAY

I have been fortunate enough unlike some stroke survivors to retain most of my memories of my first life. Memories of some awesome family times we had together!
Teaching my son how to fish at Burney Falls, CA,  Teaching him how to wakeboard, Teaching him how to play ball, and so much more! Great memories with my best friend and wife Rebecca, Awesome times with the family!
One of our favorite things to do was to go shark and ray fishing in Tomales Bay CA. We would stop by Hog Island Oyster Co. and pick 50 or so oysters called "Sweet Waters" (small not gutty) bring the portable grill down to the beach, bring BBQ sauce and butter a loaf of French bread, Bottle of wine, Shark fish, BBQ, Family together............It  was off the hook awesome!
What I want to do is encourage each one of you to do is make sure you build your own family memories! Because kids grow up quick, and our lives are so precious on this planet and take it from me............life can change in a blink of an eye!

ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES

One of the many things I'm learning through stroke survival is that we have to learn to roll with the punches of life.
Rolling with the punches means you do get punched like everyone else but we're different! By rolling with the punch we are taking away the full impact the punch normally has on a life.
Yes like our fellow mankind we are going to be punched by the troubles of life but unlike others we have learned to lesson it's effect the punch has on our life by rolling with it. Taking away it's ability to seriously hurt us.
Next time you have to face the many troubles this life has roll roll roll. Lesson it's effect on your life by not letting it knock you down!
Realize that you can face the trouble of life whatever it is and counter with a positive attitude. You will not be able to change the fact your being punched by life but you do have the power and ability to alter the outcome by dealing with it positively!

DOESN'T REALLY MATTER

Morning Peeps!
In this Second Chance I have been given on this planet, I am committed to being a much better person than I was in my first chance! So in line with my reconstruction I woke up with something very heavy on my heart.
What is of the utmost importance in our life and what will bring us the most fulfilment is that we truly learn how to truly learn to love unconditionally our fellow man on this planet! If we do not I believe it is us that will miss out on having a totally fulfilled and satisfying life on this planet.  And isn't that what we are all looking for in our lives?
So those things we have learned from the early stages of our lives that make us hate, be intolerant, condemn, judge instead loving towards all our fellow human beings on this planet does matter and must go!

OFF THE HOOK REAL

A close friend turned me on to this person.........off the hook real!
http://www.thefeelgoodlifestyle.com/3-powerful-strategies-leverage-your-time-get-more-done.html

HOW BIG IS YOUR WORLD?

Couldn't sleep woke up early enough to enjoy the moon and the stars before the sun chased them away. I began to think how big the universe is and how my life with it's problems is just a speck in the big picture of the  universe. Helping me put in perspective all my troubles.
So next time you feel your life troubles are huge..............look up to our universe and even our seemingly huge planet becomes tiny in the big picture of the universe as a whole.
So next time you are faced with what seems like a huge mountain..........back up and look at the big picture of your life and realize it's not as big as you think! You can handle the issue! You got this! It's not as big as it appears in the big picture of life on this planet!
Make it a powerful day everyone!

What really matters?

Family and love nothing else really matters!

STOP! TAKE A MOMENT

I woke with a new awareness and deep realization of just how totally awesome my family is! My second chance birthday was off the charts awesome!
In fact it was so powerful I can honestly tell you that it was the most awesome day of my life on this planet!
Before my stroke I would go through the day to day grind not taking time to stop and fully realizing what I had in my life!
True and the most powerful force on this planet. .......LOVE!
I want to encourage each one of you my brothers and sisters on this planet to stop and realize the the most powerful force you have in your life. ....LOVE!
To me it is life itself! I remember my first life and how the worries and daily stress of life became first and foremost and how I was so guilty for not taking time to absorb and fully appreciate those people in my life that gave me what this life on this planet is really about. ......True and Powerful LOVE!
So take time today and go out of your way to absorb the love from those people in your life.
To give back to them the most powerful force known to mankind. ....genuine love!
Make it a powerful day everyone!

THE DAY MY LIFE CHANGED FOREVER

On this day September 17th  I survived a major brain aneurysm and two weeks later a major stroke! In 2010, I haven't walked since then, I don't talk very well and sound like a dying cow but you know what.............I'M ALIVE!
In this Second Chance in life I have been given, I don't want to go back to my first life but rather go forward in the Second Chance I've been given on this planet, taking with me what I have learned through what I believe is the hardest thing a person can go through in life being even better and stronger than before!
Who makes stroke survival even possible for us? Who keeps us from being thrown in some home to die a lonely miserable death?
It's our spouses, It's the caregivers, It's the medical personnel, It's our dear family, It's the support we get after we survive what kills most people.................THANK YOU! WITH EVERY FIBER OF WHO I AM! THANK YOU!
For if it was not for you, there would be no stroke survivors!
If I was to say one the biggest factors that play a significant role in my long term recovery, I would have to say it's my fellow stroke survivors throughout the world and the awesome members of our Face Book group Second Chance Stroke Survivors!
I'M ALIVE! I'M ALIVE! I'M ALIVE!

MY SECOND CHANCE STEP 1

WARNING HEADACHE

6 months prior to my aneurysm exploding in my brain I was having the most painful headaches of my life! I thought for sure they were just what other people called migraines!

I never had a migraine but I thought what else can the headaches be. I told all the people I knew had migraines my symptoms. Excruciating head pain, extreme light and sound sensitive. They also thought had all the symptoms also. So I began to take every medication that was available at the pharmacy and nothing brought me the slightest relief. So desperate for relief I convinced my friends that had prescription migraine medication to let me try their medication. They also offered me no relief whatsoever.

At this point 3 months before my aneurism exploded, The headaches became so excruciating that death started to feel like it was the only way I could get relief!

I was self employed! Had been for 12 years. My families income was seriously being affected! I must work! I mean it’s my first migraine after all! So I would go to the office only to spend most of the time laying on the floor in extreme pain.

(Months before my aneurysm exploded) -The day the Golden Gate Bridge turned upside down

My family loved to go to Boudins in SF eat, have a few drinks and enjoy the energy of the city once every two months or so. But this day was different! In excruciating pain, but it was my son Ryan’s 18th birthday, I had to go!

So our family goes to the old bunker overlook just before the Golden Gate Bridge. So here I am, in the most excruciating pain of my life trying to soak in the magnificent views. I’m being tough in front of my family down playing how much pain I was actually in. What my family doesn’t know is that I had been seeing double at times for about a week. I did not tell them because I didn’t want them to freak out! After all it was just a real bad migraine right!

Here I am sitting on a bench trying so hard to ignore the pain and soak in the just awesome views when all of a sudden everything turns upside down! Guaranteed I was the only one on the face of the planet that saw the Golden Gate Bridge that way that summer day!

I dropped my head into my hands, saying nothing to my family, I mean I’m not going to ruin my sons birthday! It's just a real bad migraine!

I kept rubbing my eyes trying desperately trying to make my vision correct itself. I told no one! At this is the point I realized something was seriously wrong with me!

The vertigo finally stopped and I told no one!. So I pushed through the rest of the day! I mean I had to!

Money? What's that? Aneurysm What's that?

Now being self employed during the years of the big crash after 2008 money was extremely tight. We could not afford insurance and after this episode I knew I better get insurance right  now! Again I told no one how scared and concerned I really was. So I get  Kaiser insurance

3 months before the explosion of my aneurysm.