Today is a weird day; I’ve felt a bit emotionally wobbly for the past week or so. Today marks 2 years since the stroke.

I remember vividly the first few days and weeks convinced my life was over.

I’m pleased to say I was wrong.

In just the past 7 days I have:

• Worked, almost clinically
• Cooked a meal (with help)
• Shopped
• Walked miles upon miles
• Walked the dog
• Hoovered and mopped my house
• Spent time with friends
• Had some heart to heart, heavy conversations with lots of people
• Trained with a sports club, in prep for an upcoming competitive match; discussing potential further plans too
• Visited friends , staying over night
• Played with their children, sang with them, laughed lots,
• Sat in a beer garden.
• Had a nice lunch with my family.
• Did lots of rehab therapy all self guided.

The man 2 years ago laid sobbing in a hospital bed would never believe the same man would be able to do all this.

I’m still angry it happened. I’ve taught myself so much resilience and determination, I don’t often admit it but I’m bloody proud of myself. There’s been dark times, frustrations, falls, fails and fatigue; but somehow I’m still here, fighting and progressing.

I’ve needed an entire army of people stood with me, family, friends, work mates, therapists, understanding ears and I will never get a chance to repay all of that.

I’m going to bed tonight high in hopes and life.

They told me that I vanished
They told me that I had it
They told me that I’m gone
I told them, “Don’t panic”
When you’ve done it this long
And you’ve seen magic
And you know it won’t kill you
Even when the whole world doubts it

Got another shot to pull off the impossible

There’s no need to cry for me
I’m a fighter, fighter
You can’t take my voice from me
I will rise up, rise up

So what are you waiting for?
I ain’t ready to die yet
The pain is where faith is born
Are you alive yet?
Are you alive yet?
Are you alive?

A selection of lyrics from: Chant ~ Macklemore and Tones and I 2024