Dearest Friends,
Happy Thanksgiving!
As we take the time to reflect on being grateful, I invite you to pause and reflect on being thankful for what you have.
The people you love. The trees and animals surrounding you. The food on your table. Whatever brings you joy.
As a gift to you, I’d like to share the meaningful wisdom of my late friend, Roland Takaoka, who passed away on August 23, 2018 from a fourth stroke.
Our friendship happened instantly — through the computer. Roland contacted me after he happened to watch my interview with a disabled speaker. Our first conversation must have been about two hours. We enjoyed immediate chemistry! I found an amazing soul, and even though he lived in California and I was in Illinois, we knew we’d be in touch all the time.
Roland became my technical wizard, the “Wingman” for my online interviews” and my website designer. He did so much for so many. In fact, he led three of his own online programs to educate, inspire and uplift others.
Roland was ALWAYS smiling! Always positive. No one would know that he sat in a wheelchair, totally paralyzed on his right side.
When he happened to share his manuscript about his experiences in the hospital and rehab institute, I saved it on my computer. I never thought to ask him about publishing it. I figured he’d just do it on his own. But he never did. His stories of transformation after his third stroke were so compelling.
I was completely shocked when I got the news of his fourth stroke. This time, he was in serious condition. His wife called me, and I immediately starting contacting his friends and followers online. I said, “Let’s do a Get Well Roland program!” Using Google Hangouts on Air (no longer around), I knew we could get about six people on the screen at the same time.
I wanted everyone to say positive thoughts and prayers towards him. If we all do that, I thought… perhaps we can help him heal. But this time — it didn’t happen.
He passed away three days later. I was devastated. How could that happen? Roland had promised me that we’d stick together. How could I honor his spirit?
I KNEW i had to publish his story. It wasn’t even a question. His book contained so much humor, joy and fun… along with his story of transformation after that third stroke.
So I embarked on raising funds to cover the costs. So many people helped support this project. “Roland’s Story: Inspired By A Stroke” is his beautiful memoir, with a forward from me and the closing from an interview with Roland’s wife, Barbara.
Even though time has passed since I created the crowdfunding video, this 4-minute piece truly captures Roland’s spirit. In gratitude to his forever friendship, I’d like to share it with you… along with his special message of, “You can make anything happen.” (Taken from a longer interview that we did together…)
For a boost of Roland’s motivation, here’s that 4-minute gem — https://bit.ly/Roland-BookFunding
To experience more of Roland’s uplifting energy, here’s our interview:
Last but not least, if you’d like to get Roland’s special memoir, go to Amazon: https://bit.ly/RolandsLink
If you’ve already read his book, and can post a review, I’d be most grateful. Here’s to each of you… with Roland’s message: “EXPAND IN JOY!”
With love & gratitude,
Lynn Sanders
P.S. For those who’d like to learn more about growing your business through your stories, you can schedule a complimentary strategy chat at: https://calendly.com/LynnSanders
For the month of December, I’ll be offering rates of 50% off in story consulting. Learn more about my services at: https://DifferenceMakersMedia.com