Returning to work at Andersen Windows part time six months after his accident, Mike moved to full time four years later. He spends his Saturday mornings doing the New York Times crossword puzzle at the Daily Grind coffee shop in Stillwater Minnesota with his crones Carlos, John, Howard, Tim, Preston, Roger, and of course, Norm.

Keenen and Mike

Me and Mini Me

Mike is a certified Yoga instructor and he regularly practices yoga at Bikram's Yoga College of India in White Bear Lake Minnesota. He started studying yoga in 1998.

The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota asked Mike if he would be interested in writing a column for the association's newsletter "Headlines" in 1999. His column is called "Here and Now" and has become one of the most popular features in that publication. "Meditations on Brain Injury" is a collection of his best and most popular columns.

Mike ran for Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota in 1994 and 1998. He ran as a Libertarian and was on the ballot garnering over 20,000 votes. He is also an ordained minister, courtesy of the Universal Life Church and $29.95 over the internet. He has legally officiated at several weddings and is available for a fee of $250.

Jake prays with Reverend Strand

Here we see Mike at the Hubert H Humphrey Job Corps Center with other organizers and participants where he was the final presenter. Mike is an accomplished public speaker and he especially enjoyed sharing his message of hope and self determination with the great kids at the Center.

Mike is a dynamic speaker for a variety of events, he specializes in TBI related topics, or general motivational inspiration. Below are individuals you can contact for referrals. Contact Mike directly for booking info

Tom Gode Executive Director BIAM

Jeff Larson Chairman Rochester BICC

Chris Kuhn Director HHH Job Corps

Mike Strand

Mike enjoys many volunteer activities. He is active in Habitat for Humanity and Junior Achievement, as well as serving on the board of the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota and co-facilitating a support group for brain injury survivors who are competitively employed.

A dancing fool, Mike can be found enjoying the music of "Big Walter Smith and the Groove Merchants" as well as "Boogie Wonderland" and "Jonah and the Whales." His all time favorite band is "Voice of Reason" which performs at local venues in the St. Croix Valley.

The Rev. and Mrs. Strand

His second ceremony was on the river boat "Andiamo"

Mike and Linda were married on June 24th, 1989 six months after his accident. His goal in Rehab was to walk down the aisle unassisted at his wedding. He was able to do it, although in the video Linda looks like she's walking a doddering old man down the aisle. They love to travel and have been to Scandinavia, Central America, and the Mediterranean.

Mike in Estonia

Linda maintains beautiful gardens and here we see Mike standing by the pergola that he and Dave Shippee built with their own four hands.

Go Allen go!

At the 2000 Lumberjack days ten mile race former Viking defensive lineman and current supreme court justice Allen Page ran a very strong race. He is a fantastic athlete. Here in this photo of Mike crossing the finish line you can clearly see Allen as he is nearing the finish!