I realize the title to this post seems pretty grandiose, particularly if you are not a Harry Potter fan, but today I am owning it, because today marks precisely five years since my motorcycle accident. Five years since the day I was convinced that both the joys and burdens of life were no longer mine to bear. Five years since I didn’t die. Today is my crashiversary. … More The Girl who Lived
*Beep*. It is 7am on June 23rd, 2018, and instead of another medical machine in a white hospital room, today the beeping comes from an alarm beside my bed easing me into another sun drenched morning on the beautiful island of Corsica. I rub my eyes after a surprisingly good night’s sleep, roll easily over … More Chapter Thirty-One: A New Normal
“What’s that smell?” Mat says, sniffing at the air as he stands behind my shower chair and massages shampoo into my hair. “Oh I think it’s tea tree oil” I say, breathing in a big whiff of something that definitely isn’t tea tree oil. “No, it’s not,” he says from behind me. He sniffs again, … More Chapter Thirty: Bye-Bye Clive
The surgery to remove the eggshells is a big success. After it, I have no more pain, the UTI’s stop coming, and I can now empty my bladder almost entirely using just my core muscles. Dr Deng reminds me that this straining isn’t ideal and may lead to longer-term problems, but confirms that, all things … More Chapter Twenty-Nine: Why I Write
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.
Ten days limp past, punctuated by mum industriously (and bewilderingly) spreading honey on a stubborn back wound, a demanding physical therapy routine of finger wriggles and knee raises, and a steady stream of guests bearing yet more fucking unicorn colouring-in books. The only major change is that the pain in my left foot is now … More Chapter Seventeen: Mind over Matter
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
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
Lucy (Feltham) Leonelli 