Sober: "A stroke of good fortune..."

Just last week -- my 88 year-old father had a stroke.

He was taken by ambulance and admitted to hospital through the emergency department.

Within hours he was lying in the Stroke Ward.

Only yesterday he was transported out of acute treatment of the Stroke Ward and into a rehabilitation unit.

And so begins his rehab for the next two or so weeks.

What's this got to do with you?

I thought that maybe -- just maybe -- you might get some hope and inspiration from what I'm about to share.

Through slurred speech he told me...

"I've got more to be thankful for... I wasn't coming down the steps -- I wasn't home alone -- and I wasn't driving the car."

How's that for putting things into positive perspective.

But it doesn't finish there...

He also said, "It's happened. It is what it is. Now I'll do my best to adjust and get on with living."

Wow! Half his body affected by a stroke and he 's looking at the things he's still got going for him.

We know that some people would not see it that way.

They might start with the "poor me's" and the "why me's".

What about you?

Do you have a problem, hurdle or obstacle in front of you?

How's your attitude?

If it helps -- think about my Dad.

He chooses to see the good fortune in the outcome of his stroke.

Sure, he's old -- but try telling him that!

He wants to see 100.

Reminds me of a story I heard about Dr Normal Vincent Peale -- author of The Power of Positive Thinking.

Dr. Peale had finished giving a public speech and departed the stage to behind the curtain.

Among the people at back of stage was a young man in his twenties.

He goes up to Dr. Peal and asks, "how old are you?"

"Why, I'm 92" answered Dr. Peale.

The young man then says, "Wow. I don't even imagine I want to be alive at 92."

Norman Vincent Peale comes right back and says, "Son, that's because you haven't been 91 yet."

100 if he can make it

I know my father wants to see 89 and 90 -- 100 if he can make it.

And he will be thinking "it's possible."

Never give up -- no matter what the situation, circumstances or events.

Look for and don't stop looking until you find one positive angle to hang on to. 

Grip tight and don't let go.

Things could be worse -- and will get better.

How do we know? We don't. That's life.

But we can believe like my Dad... "it's possible!"