I met a legend and a stroke survivor—Kirk Douglas!
While in NYC filming for my GMA appearance, I was having dinner
with ‘my people’ (editor, publicist, and agent)—I can’t say it
without giggling—when lo and behold who walks in to the restaurant,
but Kirk Douglas. I’m one to always see signs in everything, and to
me, Kirk Douglas was the most meaningful person I could have
encountered. I don’t believe in coincidence—I believe coincidence
is in the Plan. When I originally took pen to paper for Don’t Leave Me
This Way my working title was A Stroke of Luck. Kirk Douglas beat
me to the bookstores with, My Stroke of Luck.

Of course, I couldn’t let this wonderful opportunity slip by.
I dutifully waited until he was finished with his meal to introduce
myself. I limped over to his table, introduced myself, and, while
holding his hand, then said:

“You and I joined a club that we never asked to be members of—
stroke survivors club—but I believe that we make pretty damn good
members. I am in awe that you have been such an eloquent spokesman
(yes, eloquent although his speech is impaired), because you have
proved that you are a true gladiator in life’s challenges. I hope
to pick up the torch and carry it with you.”