7 reasons why i’m grateful that my dad suffered a major stroke

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7 Reasons Why I’m Grateful that My Dad suffered a major STROKE Daniel A. Maxwell, Jr. www.DanMaxwellJr.com

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Both in Liberia and the United States, November is the month of thanksgiving. As the month came to an end I discovered some forgotten reasons to be thankful. When a close family member suffered a stroke, it's really not easy to express gratitude in that moment; but somehow, I found 7 reasons to be thankful that my dad suffered a stroke.

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Page 1: 7 reasons why I’m grateful that my dad suffered a major stroke

7 Reasons Why I’m Grateful that My Dad suffered a major

STROKE

Daniel A. Maxwell, Jr.www.DanMaxwellJr.com

Page 2: 7 reasons why I’m grateful that my dad suffered a major stroke

The Background

• On Sunday November 24th, 2013, I was awakened by a cell phone call from my younger brother. He informed me that our dad and fallen in the bathroom and was not talking.

• Knowing that dad was hypertensive, I got scared, but remained composed.

Page 3: 7 reasons why I’m grateful that my dad suffered a major stroke

• When we finally arrived at hospital, my worse fear were confirmed. My Dad had suffered a major stroke. The stroke had taken out his left side.

• Remarkably, he was hospitalized for only 7 days. On Saturday November 30th, 2013, he was discharged.

Page 4: 7 reasons why I’m grateful that my dad suffered a major stroke

• On Each of those 7 days that my Dad was in the hospital, I learned a particular lesson.

• I credit the situation for bringing those lessons to the full front of my awareness.

• And for that I’m GRATEFUL!• I share these 7 lessons as the

7 reasons why I’m Grateful my Dad suffered a Major Stroke.

Page 5: 7 reasons why I’m grateful that my dad suffered a major stroke

• I hope you will give yourself a chance to think through what I share in the following 7 slides.

• I am also excited to say that my Daddy is on his way to a full recovery.

• Such quick recovery is nothing short of a MIRACLE.

Page 6: 7 reasons why I’m grateful that my dad suffered a major stroke

1. Spend Time With Those Who Matter

• On day one, I could not stand the thought of possibly loosing my father. I quickly realized I was spending very little physical time with him (he is a widower).

• For the first time in a long time, I also got to be with all my siblings in one place. Again, I learned that I need to make time for the people that matter.

Page 7: 7 reasons why I’m grateful that my dad suffered a major stroke

2. Take Care of Your Health

• Over time, my dad took decisions that caused his health to go bad. He did not exercise

• He ate late because he came from work late.

• As accountant, there were times that he was sitting for 10 hours straight- save for 2 minutes bathroom break when needed.

• I made the decision to take my health more seriously.

Page 8: 7 reasons why I’m grateful that my dad suffered a major stroke

3. Get Medical Insurance

• Dad had no medical insurance. • Everything had to be paid for

in cash• It dawned on my that nearly

every penny I could call my own was in the Accounts Receivable line of my balance sheet.

• I made the decision to get medical insurance for me and my family ASAP

Page 9: 7 reasons why I’m grateful that my dad suffered a major stroke

4. Observe Your Relationship With Money

• I began to worry about money.

• I realized that for too long I had made money my master by worrying about it

• I made it decision to let money locate me.

• I decided focus on visualizing and praying for my dad recovery and allow the money to come in. And when we needed it, it showed up.

Page 10: 7 reasons why I’m grateful that my dad suffered a major stroke

5. Celebrate The Simple Things• Something as simple as an adult

taking steps would otherwise mean nothing. But this time, when this 61 years old man (my dad) used his left leg to take a step, I celebrated.

• I quickly learned how important it was to be able to walk- yet I rarely stopped to be grateful for that ability

Page 11: 7 reasons why I’m grateful that my dad suffered a major stroke

6. Build Strong Relationships

• The Specialist who attended to my Dad was not working on that Sunday. He was not on call. In fact, he was asleep.

• He came only because of the relationship he had with one of my uncles.

• I remembered a book by Harvey McKay called“Dig your well before you’re thirsty”

Page 12: 7 reasons why I’m grateful that my dad suffered a major stroke

7. Put Faith into Action

• Even the medical doctor indicated that the medication alone could not be responsible for such quick recovery.

• He was right: Fact is, we were always praying for our Dad. We had the faith that God hears the prayers of His people, and sends His word to heal. We acted on that faith and God showed up.

Page 13: 7 reasons why I’m grateful that my dad suffered a major stroke

Conclusion

• It is no secret that I’ve heard or read about those 7 lessons in times past. But nothing brought it to life that the experience of my dad’s stroke

• I’m grateful that he is recovering, and I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned.

What Are You Grateful For?