There is something magical about sunlight, the way it changes how you see the world, draining the fear and replacing it with hope. As the day creeps into my room the next morning, the sinister shadows are replaced with tables, wires and machines, the frantic voices masked with sounds of routine and hustle. I have … More Chapter Eight: Are you Stupid or What?
“Are you ready Luce?” Mat mirrors my nurse. I nod at them both, excited but nervous to be leaving the familiarity of the gun and knife club. A syringe of clear liquid is connected to a tube at my wrist and a familiar intense, metallic flavour floods the back of my throat. I feel the … More Chapter Seven: Strange New Places
“Do you want to see?” the doctor asks mum, beckoning her around the back of me as I lie with my legs bent up toward my chest. “No, no”, she says, not moving from her chair beside my bed. “I think some things should still be private”. She forces a small cough, and busies herself … More Chapter Ten: Ur(new)anus
It is night-time, and Mat has left me with a wet flannel on my head and a handheld fan pointed at the hole in my neck brace. It’s funny how you can become accustomed to a certain state of normality. Being uncomfortable all the of the time is my default now, my benchmark against which … More Chapter Nine: It’s Possible
Today marks the 12 month anniversary of the accident, and to mark the moment, I’ve made a video of the trials and tribulations of my year of recovery. I have so much to be grateful for, and feel very blessed to be here, surrounded by such wonderful people. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I open my eyes and watch the fox circling on his clip above my head. Light streams through my window and fills my room with the promise of another day. Another day of being rolled over. Another day of beeping. It’s been two weeks since Kevin and I got hit, and the time seems to … More Chapter Six: Moving Day
And so our days fall into a routine. The nurses come and go, all of them angels – yes, really – doctors, consultants, surgeons; the constant flow of Lucy’s support team. In between, I read, or talk with Lucy, take photos of what’s around her – her wee bag (Gladys), the controls of the bed, the … More Mum’s Story – ICU
A lady is at the door. I have no idea who she is. “Hi Fran,” Mat embraces her with his whole body. She wears a long cardigan and big sturdy boots, her black and red hair quaffed perfectly into an elegant sphere. She walks over to my bed. “Hi Lucy. How are you doing?” “Good”, … More Chapter Five: The Kindness of Strangers
A mop of lively dark hair walks into my room wheeling a screen. “OK Lucy,” says the enthusiastic young doctor, “I have the CT scan I promised I would share with you”. Of course I have zero memory of this, but flash him a big grin, excited to be looking at something other than a … More Chapter Four: Beeps, Butts and Britishisms
For the next few days, I wake up every morning, genuinely surprised that the accident wasn’t a dream. It doesn’t disappoint me, or make me sad, it just surprises me. I open my eyes to look at the exact same spot I was studying on the ceiling before dozing off, and think to myself; oh, … More Chapter Three: ICU, The Early Days
