a Tale of Resilience and Hope

Heide and I have been inseparable since 1998, our love story blossoming into a beautiful family when we became parents for the first time in 2005. Like many couples, we immersed ourselves in our careers, caught in the familiar cycle of eat, work, sleep, repeat. Our days were filled with the joyful chaos of school runs, soccer mom duties, trips to the cinema, cycling adventures, and hill walking. We were happy, living life to the fullest without realizing how quickly everything could change.

then shock in

 2016 an event just like a thunderbolt, altering our lives forever. A severe brain hemorrhage struck me down, involuntarily pulling us from the life we knew. Suddenly, I couldn't work, and simple tasks like tying my shoelaces or taking care of personal hygiene became insurmountable challenges. We needed to make a plan, and fast.

Heide, my rock and constant companion, made the difficult decision to sacrifice her beloved career with the airline to become my full-time caregiver. The job description didn't exist, so she created her own, taking on responsibilities we once shared. In a nutshell, she now does everything - a testament to her strength, love, and dedication.

This has been our reality since 2016. The journey hasn't been easy, but it has shown us the depth of our resilience and the power of our bond. Now, we find ourselves at another crossroads, needing help to move forward.

As we look to the future, I'm filled with determination. I plan to keep myself busy learning, which will bolster my self-confidence and sense of worth. Education isn't just about acquiring knowledge; it's about reclaiming a part of myself and discovering new ways to contribute to society. I'm also committed to finding ways to give back to Heide and all those who have supported us on this challenging journey.

Right now, walking more than 10 meters without assistance is a challenge, but I remain resolutely optimistic that things will improve. Our home, once our sanctuary, no longer suits our needs. However, recognizing this obstacle has empowered us to take decisive action and find a better path forward. We’re now actively house hunting in Sligo, seeking a more accessible home, closer to my lectures at ATU.

But our story is far from finished. The past few years have been filled with unexpected trials, yet they’ve illuminated the extraordinary strength of our love and the unbreakable resilience of the human spirit. We look to the future with unwavering hope, knowing that every new day brings fresh opportunities for growth, learning, and transformation.

We will find a solution. We will adapt, overcome, and continue to craft our story—one of love, perseverance, and endless hope. As we step into this new chapter, we are deeply grateful for the support of our community, and we are filled with excitement for what lies ahead. Together, Heide and I are ready to embrace whatever challenges come our way, turning them into stepping stones toward a brighter future.