A Dog Named Leaf discussion

I have an amazing, often amusing, sometimes gut wrenching, yet inspirational story to tell about my life before and after discovering my brain was a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment. From experience as a patient, I consider myself an expert on this topic.

Every year, over 30,000 people in the United States will suffer from a ruptured brain aneurysm with over 40% of these individuals will die. September is Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month with activities planned across the country. Those that survive often face harsh challenges, not being all they were before the rupture and bleeding in the brain. Their families are greatly affected.

I was one of the lucky ones through. My brain aneurysm was discovered before it ruptured. With no symptoms how was it possible for a potentially deadly bubble of blood ready to burst in my brain to be found? What motivated the doctors to do testing? Was it dumb luck or was there something deeper, perhaps even on a spiritual level going on? In other words, why me?

My story works on different levels with my past work as a big city cop turn writer, becoming a software systems expert which needs solid brain power, and my love for my rescue dog named Leaf who helped me survive my journey through a hellish time. So much so I had to write a book about my experiences titled, A Dog Named Leaf: The Hero from Heaven Who Saved My Life (Lyons Press, an imprint of Rowman & Littlefield Publishing).

I wanted to share my story from a non-medical viewpoint of pre-rupture diagnosis, surgery, and the aftermath, with healing and a greater appreciation for the life I was given. I also have in the book a required "to do" list for any individual who has scheduled a hospital visit for surgery.