On 1st December 1989, my world changed in ways I could never have imagined. That was the day I slipped into a coma following a serious car accident - a state where reality blurred into darkness, flickering occasionally like a faulty lightbulb. For three weeks, I hovered in and out of consciousness, my body held in suspension as time passed without my awareness. The following weeks continued to be greatly confusing and literally in trauma, mentally, physically and psychologically.
Eventually, somewhere between "pre Christmas" and somewhere in January, I came round, waking to a reality as disorienting as the void I had left behind.
I woke to find three of my limbs strapped in traction, bound and suspended by intricate contraptions attached to the ceiling. I’d like to say that I was immediately flooded with gratitude for being alive, but the truth is, my first few moments were consumed by panic. A series of intense panic attacks gripped me as I tried to piece together where I was and what had happened. My body was immobile, my mind a whirlwind. It was very overwhelming. I had also forgotten some things, some really major things, whilst other matters had become more pronounced and very much out of kilter and not conforming to common sense or for that matter a proper sense of reality. It was very disconcerting. I was scared. Both mind and body had been affected.
In those early moments, the only anchor I had was my sense of humour. It might sound odd, but laughter became my lifeline. Jokes and wry observations from cynical views to sick perceptions helped me navigate the fear and confusion.
And then there was the music.
The first song I remember hearing as I regained full consciousness was “This Is Your Land” by Simple Minds. It played in the background, its lyrics and melody seeping into my awareness and giving me a strange sense of grounding. This was the days of the Walkman. Somebody had put one of my favourite bands recently released cassette albums; Street Fighting Years into that gadget. To this day, that song holds a special place in my heart. It was as if the universe was nudging me, saying, “Welcome back. This is your land, your life, and it’s yours to make of it what you will.”
Thirty-five years have passed since that life-altering moment. Looking back, I feel incredibly lucky to be alive. Surviving such an experience has taught me the fragility of life but also its incredible resilience. Waking up on 11th January, wasn’t just about regaining consciousness; it was about starting anew, seeing life with fresh eyes, and realising how precious it is.
Since then, I’ve been determined to make the most of every moment. Life isn’t always easy, and it certainly hasn’t been without challenges, but I’ve held onto the sense of humour and gratitude that pulled me through those dark days. I’ve strived to live each day with purpose and to give back in ways that matter.
To anyone facing their own struggles, I want to say this: even in the darkest moments, there is light to be found. It might come in the form of a song, a joke, or simply the passage of time. Hold onto whatever gives you hope, and don’t underestimate the power of resilience – and perhaps a little humour – to carry you through.
Those days became even more pertinent when Nelson Mandela was released from house arrest. He had given and taken years of striving, believing, hard times & dark days and now he provided light for a new generation. That day was the 11th February 1990. And on that day I was released from all my traction bars and strings!
Oh Mandela Day! And who sang that song? Simple Minds!
Here’s to 35 years of second chances and to making the most of the journey ahead.
And theres much to be told about the way I did adjust and how. The first priority was to stand and possibly walk in some sort of capacity, with a prognosis that I may never walk again.
By the way I do walk in a limited fashion now, but it has a few painful consequences.
I may mention some of this again in future blogs, but let us get on with the now, the today and future in the next blog posts.
https://youtu.be/GqpAY2OBJzc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfk13uUuD8Q
