Caught in a Storm: My Journey of Hope

By Salwin Anand

One night, a dream changed my life and that is when my journey of hope began. I was caught in a storm and faced situations of hardship, I was trapped in a dream that suddenly became my reality. To overcome this, I believed that miracles do happen and dreams have hidden messages.
Caught in a storm, my journey of hope, is based on my true story that changed the lives of everyone in my family. Through this journey I have gotten through the toughest of moments. I have written this book for people to see through my eyes; the hope, the inspiration, the moments of truth, and the life-changing and challenging experiences that one can face. I hope that when you read this book, you will appreciate and be inspired to love, enjoy peace, and foster hope. God bless you all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Jun 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9781452517353

Salwin Anand

Salwin Anand a first-time author, a family man, married with two kids, whose personal journey pushed him to write his first book to share with the world. The journey of hope has just begun.

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Copyright © 2014 Salwin Anand.

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The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4525-1734-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4525-1735-3 (e)

Balboa Press rev. date: 06/24/2014

CONTENTS

Acknowledgment

Prologue

Introduction

Chapter 1     It All Began With My Dream

Chapter 2     Breaking The News To My Family

Chapter 3     You Won’t Get This Chance Again

Chapter 4     March Break

Chapter 5     Looking For Spiritual Healing

Chapter 6     Giving Support

Chapter 7     Cherishing & Making Memories

Chapter 8     The Bonding Began

Chapter 9     Ridding Our Fears, Living The Life

Chapter 10   Believe In Yourself

Chapter 11   I Believed In Miracles

Chapter 12   Christmas Was Here

Chapter 13   Surprise Birthday Party

Chapter 14   The Storm Arrived

Chapter 15   Not Feeling Well

Chapter 16   Let Us All Just Celebrate

Chapter 17   What Does Life Hold For Me

Chapter 18   The Day My Life Changed

Chapter 19   Running Against Time

Chapter 20   A Life Changing Decision

Chapter 21   That’s A Choice I Have To Make

Chapter 22   Rushing For Surgery

Chapter 23   Given A Second Chance On Life

Chapter 24   I Want A Second Opinion

Chapter 25   Mentally Preparing Myself

Chapter 26   I Was Out Of Options, But Ready

Chapter 27   The Moment Of Truth

Chapter 28   In A Split Second Life Changed

Chapter 29   My Dad My Hero

Chapter 30   Touched So Many Hearts

Chapter 31   Show Me A Sign Dad

Chapter 32   Getting My Life Back

Chapter 33   Road To Recovery

I wrote this book to share one of my life’s most challenging experiences with you, which began for me in March 2012. Sometimes we do not realize how fortunate we are until something like this can happen in our lives that can change everything for us within a split second. I hope by reading this book, it will shed some light on your lives, making you realize that at the end of the day, sometimes we just have to make wise decisions and find ways to deal with life’s situations, our journey of hope depends on it. Try to appreciate the simplest of things that happens in our lives. Learn to embrace the reality and truth if you know the path it will take you towards. Learn to believe in yourself again.

For 2 years now, searching deep down within my heart, mind, and soul for answers has taught me great deal about inspiration, friendship, kindness, positive motivation, determination, believing in miracles, trusting myself and others, having faith and much more to get me through this journey of hope. This personal life changing experience has made me more motivated to help others realize the similarities people can, will or might face in their everyday lives in different ways. Now, I am able to take a positive approach to this new life of mine, simply by realizing how blessed we all are.

Inspiration comes from anything you can feel, see or hear. Look no further, we all can be inspired by families, friends, loved ones and even people we might meet only once or see in the news and hear about. Colors, art, music, sports, gardening, painting or just even reading a book can inspire you. Remember, life and Mother Nature do inspire miracles to happen and there is always hope if we believe in it.

We are blessed with a kind heart and kindness does not cost anything. A simple smile is an act of kindness so have faith and believe in yourself. You never know who can or will help you, but now you know that at least you can help someone by making a small effort by taking the first step. Simply just start doing good deeds and don’t expect anything in return. Just be humble and be appreciative of the positive things and inspirations in your life. Make the best use of the lessons you have learnt about kindness as you were growing up.

We really don’t know what goes through another person’s life, and how they are dealing with things. Life has so much to offer and we can all make good, positive choices, not only for ourselves, but choices to help someone in need. Learn to compliment a person and find time to give love back. You don’t know, that even by a simple hello you might make someone’s day or even save someone’s life. Let inspiration, peace, love, hope, and kindness grow in your heart so we can share it with the world. It always starts with you, so please do the right thing and smile.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

A special thank you goes to my wife Seema and my children Radhika and Ram for assisting me in writing my book.

I wish to thank:

My wife Seema, you stood by me through my thick and thin days and I simply want to say, I love you. Without any doubt you have loved my parents like your own mother and father. Thank you for giving dad wonderful years and memories. I am really very lucky to have you in my life.

My wonderful children Ram & Radhika, your Grandpa and Grandma are so proud of you. You also never gave up on me, made me laugh and are my strength. Daddy always loves you, and always will. Remember, I’m your #1 Fan!!!

To my Mum and Dad, Thank you for loving Me, I am very proud to have you as my parents. I would have been lost without you. You taught me to be positive and always to love and share. You are my strength.

Mum you stood by dad and all of us all your life, all your children and grandchildren love you. You are both our Hero. We miss you and love you dad, I know you are looking out over us and smiling from heaven. May God be with you and give you great journey.

To my brother Dipak, sisters Latika, Devina and family, Thank you for being there for me, your support and everlasting love will always be cherished. I could not have done this without you. You have been my courage and gave me a reason to live.

To all my family and friends who also stood by me and my family in our time of help and need with your prayers love and support. You all know who you are, and I thank you all once again for your kindness with open arms.

I dedicate this book in memory of my father Mr. Harilal Bhimji Raniga.

May God be with you all

LOVE-HOPE-PEACE

~Salwin Anand (Raniga).

PROLOGUE

I will never forget the night of March 2nd 2012 where it all began for me, the night that changed my life. I felt that something frightening was approaching, my body