I have decided to put a couple of my diary entries from the last 14 weeks here - so you can see what Rich and the family have gone through, the wonderful medical attention he has received, the support we have had from our families and our friends and very unexpected places. In amongst the darkness that stroke brings there is always light - some days its a tiny light in the far distance that threatens to go out but on other days it shines so bright and bold with love and hope and strength we know we will be alright - whatever alright looks like - we will be alright ...thank you. you have kept the light burning on the darkest of days

Friday 23rd June -   (Date of Diary entry)

Day 1 June 16th Never Forget x

Last Friday while I was at Take That at Carrow Road Rich had a stroke.

He got blurred vision at the Singup concert at St Andrews Hall and sneaked out and drove home. He told no one he had 'the mother of all headaches!' He rang me to say he was on his way home - I was walking to the ground, the signal was bad ,  I took no notice.................................

Rich had had some warning signs maybe - he had a funny turn (funny story!!) at the top of Scafell, he had an small incident in the garden one day  and then he collapsed when I was doing the Mike Groves 10k - he did go the doctor, had a diabetes test and just yesterday a cardiology letter arrived.  Wish we had taken more notice. But we didn't so thats that. The Doctors say it isn't related. ................................................

So Rich got home, slept on the sofa - the boys say not in a headback nap way , in a curled up nights sleep way.  Not sure the series of events but he tripped and fell badly, he broke  a glass ...... there was a series of unfortunate events - wheres Lemony Snicket when you need him!!! Rich went to bed saying he felt alright.but needed to get to sleep ................................... 

In the morning I asked him if he was ok and he couldnt speak properly, he was ....a happy drunk ... I rang an ambulance. I rang Sarah, Sarah came.  She rang an ambulance.  An ambulance came. We went in the ambulance. Tommy watched from his window as we pulled away........

In the hospital Rich had scans and god knows what.  I waited in the rellies room. His Mum and Dad and brother arrived.   It was a living hell.  

He was at this point on reflection quite lucky - he was in a pickle but could move and talk and answer all the questions - there was a little light starting to burn.........

The worst was yet to come .....

#eachdayisabitbetterthanthedaybefore 

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