After her husband suffered a life-changing stroke, Jo Smith shared their story to remind people to tell their loved-ones “I love you” more often.
United Kingdom – Jo Smith received the shock of her life when her husband of nine years, had a stroke. Geoff Smith, a fit 48-year-old, was diagnosed with a hemorrhagic stroke which, according to Jo, is the worse kind and one which only strikes around 15% of people.
He was an active man with great health stats, didn’t smoke and drank in moderation. It was these factors that shocked Jo so much as he was very healthy at the time of the stroke.
“In the early hours of Saturday 30th March, he underwent an emergency life-saving craniectomy at Queens in Romford, the most specialist for Neuro in the South and possibly the country. As a result, he now only really has the right side of his skull and a little on the left. He remained in Neuro critical care for 11 days before being transferred to the acute ward at Queens where he is waiting for a bed on Broomfield’s stroke ward to begin his rehabilitation.
It is looking likely that he will be transferred after some time and after a cranioplasty to replace his skull, to a specialist rehab unit where they will hopefully be able to work on his major impairments more closely. This time last week, he was still on a ventilator in critical care. In his 4 days in the acute ward, his progress has been simply astounding.”
Since having the stroke, Geoff has been recovering well and has some speech capabilities but not much understanding. He can also play games, draw, sing and feed himself. The most important thing he can do though is say ‘I love you’. Jo shared Geoff’s story because she wanted to make a point that we should tell people we love them more.
“The three little words that are thrown around so much but not always with real meaning. Our road ahead is a majorly long one and one we never dreamed we would travel as this wasn’t how our lives were ‘meant to be’.”
“Geoff and I have only been together for 11 years and married for nearly 9. He truly is my soulmate and my best friend, I’m not posting this for sympathy. I want to share my story with you all to raise awareness of the devastating effects of stroke and offer you the advice to hug and love those near and dear to you just that little bit tighter.”
Geoff has a long road to recovery now but he is on the right track, and with Jo by his side, they will get through this ordeal together.
So there you have it, a little reminder to tell the people in your life that you love and appreciate them. While you are at it, share a little love with the people you pass throughout your day. A smile or wave can brighten anyone’s day.
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