HOW MY STROKE EFFECTED ME
The fact that I left school at 15 with no qualifications and had worked in a physical environment all my life didn’t help matters. My stroke didn’t only affect me but it also affected the lives of those close to me especially that of my wife.
It was as life changing for her, as it was for me one minute she was married to a fit 32 year old, the next she had to get use to the idea of being my carer.
My daughter was also affected she was 2 years old and had to try and work out why daddy couldn’t play the games he used to play any more, for a long time I couldn’t even speak to her.
Things aren’t all bad though with a lot of support from places like Duet, Hull college and The Stroke Association I have managed to study and acquire new qualifications, (something I couldn’t do when I was able bodied), I never touched a computer in my life until I became disabled and I now have 4 qualifications in IT. I have also gained qualifications in Counselling, first aid, health and safety, English and welfare rights.
My wife and I, have also had another daughter, she has never known me any other way than being disabled, she cry’s when I go out and she smiles when I go home, because to her I’m just "dad".
In some ways my stroke was the best thing that ever happened to me it made me a stronger person and taught me to appreciate life the way it should be appreciated.
