I had a stroke on the 9th November 2017.  The staff at Derby Hospital were amazing and saved my life. For this I am eternally grateful and for the help from OTs and Physios. The Stroke Association have also been amazingly supportive. The devastating results of the stroke have changed my life so much. I am left disabled at just 46 years old and my life will have to change as I am unable to resume my job as a teacher due to my ill health. 

I am unable to hand write or hold a pen and I struggle to read and retain but I am trying to use alternate technology. This is my first piece born out of my use of alternate technology. 

 

 

The Stroke 

 

 

I need to face the future. 

I need to be brave. 

I need to accept it happened. 

I am not in my grave. 

I have to live the future. 

Leave the past behind. 

Everything was ok. 

Then it wasn’t. 

 

I wasn’t expecting it.

It happened on a Thursday. 

The day after parents evening. 

It happened at work. 

Sneaked up unexpectedly. 

Stole so much. 

Everything seemed ok. 

Then it wasn’t. 

 

They thrombolised. 

They saved my life. 

I couldn’t see, 

My speech slurred, 

My arm heavy,

My alien leg - hung there. 

Everything was ok.

Then it wasn’t. 

 

Initially euphoria ruled. 

Gratitude filled my heart. 

I had survived. 

Alive to live again.

Resurrected, reborn.

A second chance at life. 

Everything was ok. 

Then it wasn’t. 

 

The stroke thief,

He crept into my life. 

He stole my memory,

My movement, 

My momentum. 

Fatigue is now my friend.

Everything was ok. 

Then it wasn’t. 

 

I loved my life. 

Career came first. 

Teaching my passion. 

Dedicated and dutiful. 

Outstanding practice 

Inclusive attitudes. 

Everything was ok.

Then it wasn’t. 

 

Life has changed. 

Teaching probably gone. 

Beyond my capabilities.

Right hand unwilling,

Words disappearing

Heart breaking.

Everything was ok.

Then it wasn’t. 

 

Acceptance is hard.

Recovery is slow. 

Grief is the process

For losing what you know. 

Dementia is with me. 

Brain damaged forever. 

Everything was ok.

Then it wasn’t. 

 

I need to face the future. 

I need to be brave. 

I need to accept it happened. 

I am not in my grave. 

I have to live the future. 

Leave the past behind. 

Everything was ok. 

Then it wasn’t.