Hi,
My name is Aaron Avila.
Born and raised 45 minutes north of San Francisco in Bay Area town calledSanta Rosa.
Adopted at birth by Nonie and Verne Avila.
I have a sister Andrea Avila who was also adopted at birth and is two years older than me.
Born 9-1-63
My current age is 53
47 When I had my stroke
Before my stroke I owned my own water storage tank and rainwater harvesting companies for 12 years.
Here's a picture of me in San Francisco 2 months before my brain aneurysm and stroke.
Here's my two favorite photos 1 year after my stroke.
My story
September 17th 2010 as fast as lightning strikes I became a stroke survivor.
I had a Brain Aneurysm explode in m head than after surviving certain death from a subarachnoid brain aneurysm two weeks later I suffered a massive stroke.
Deficits: Can’t walk, Dysarthria, Balance issue, Social filter loss and a thousand other deficits.
Married 25+ years to the most awesome and amazing women on the planet.
Father to the most awesome son on the planet.
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 from scratch…..no problem.
Running a crew building a 250,000 gallon water storage tank…………..no problem.
Ran and owned my own companies for over 12 years BS (Before Stroke).
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 event in my life forced me to fully re-evaluate 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 at life on earth.
However, the most devastating life event has now become my life's teacher. Stroke for me has now led me down a path to meet what I believe are the most amazing people on earth. Stroke and brain injury survivors.
Certain death yes.
But I was alive.
Given a gift that the majority
of people on this planet don’t get!
The chance to live two lives in this one! A second chance to learn not to take my life
and the ones I love for granted!
Oh yes, 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 Reconstruction!
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 gratitude run down my face!
Go stroke survivors!
WE'RE NOT VICTIMS WE'RE SURVIVORS!
Never Give Up!
With allot of positive energy,
Aaron Avila
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