Sunday 20 February 2011

My amazing and talented husband!

Ok I know you're going think what is with this treacley sweet stuff, but he is amazing and this is why.



We were on holiday in the US having the time of our lives in April 2000, we'd just been to VLV obviously in Las Vegas, then on to Phoenix and Tuscon vintage shopping, then on our way to stay with friends in San Diego we had a near fatal car accident that changed our lives forever.

Although I was knocked out and don't remember anything much about it, I didn't suffer much apart from being severely bashed up, the explosion of the air bag took a bit off the end of my nose and I had a mild brain injury. My husband however was very lucky to survive in fact it's a miracle to this day really, it clearly wasn't his time! He had a severe brain injury, his spleen ruptured - and was removed - he lacerated his kidneys, liver, punctured his lung and diaphragm, it was serious shit, I ain't kidding!

He was in a coma for 3 months in all, was medivaced back to the UK after 9 weeks and it was just wait and see.

He has had to learn everything from the beginning, he could neither walk or talk, he didn't understand how to swallow so had to learn to eat again, he didn't even know when he first came round that a nod of the head meant yes and a shake meant no. He's had an amazingly tough journey this last 11 years yet he is still amazingly upbeat, patient - ok sometimes ha ha - and determined.

Despite all that he has to cope with- he still can't use his right arm, his walking isn't great and although it's improving he'll be the first to admit his speech is far from normal! - he is an amazingly creative person. He used to be a musican in my band, we ran a small magazine and he used to be a TV & Film background person, now he can't do most of that, so he does what he can. He writes a lot, and does a regular column called Chicken Shack for Milkcow Magazine, and the rest of the time he paints.

His art has become his way of expressing himself when it used to be his music, but he's pretty good! He's sold several pieces already as we take his art to events when we do them, however we wanted to get it more out there, we're like to get him a spot in an exhibition but for now we've opened an Etsy store for his paintings here.  As with all art you either get it or you don't but it's been great that he has such fans amongst the people who have already bought his art.

Here's one painting that's up for sale right now.



I'm so proud that with all he's been through he still has creativity and joy for life! An example to us all I think.

When he's not being amazingly creative this is his favourite pastime




Eating, yes this man can EAT! Yes that's all his breakfast in Vegas a few years ago, I had some coffee and toast I can't do those breakfasts that could cause a heart attack!

Anyway please excuse me being so proud, but I think you'll agree I have a very good reason to be!!

25 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow! What an incredible journey for you both! How lucky were you both, especially hubs - 3 months in a coma - bloody hell!

You are rightly proud, and all respect to him for finding what he could do rather than lamenting what he could no longer do! They say 'Life is a shit and then you die' but omit the fact that between the shit and die is a long, long time to use as you will! What a guy, what a couple! xxxx

Welcome to DeluxeVille said...

Yup, you have every reason to be very proud of your husband...and you're one amazing wife too...I'm sure he would agree. ;-)

MaryDeluxe

Atomic Mama said...

Its a great reason to be! That painting is so cool as well.

Vix said...

You are a fabulous couple, you've both been to hell and back and come back stronger and more deeply in love than ever. Paul is an amazing man both in spirit and talent. Give him a huge hug from me. xxx

Anonymous said...

Truely a wonderfuly amazing man that deserves so much praise. But also the amazing lady who stood at his side.

Living Vintage said...

What an amazing story reminds me a bit of Fridah Kahlo. Funny thing I was a t Vegas that year and had a life altering experience too.

Miss Matilda said...

Congrats xxx

Vintage Coconut said...

That painting is GREAT!! The skeleton in the background winking makes me smile.
You have every right to be proud of your guy. He sounds like a pretty amazing man!

TemperamentalBroad@blogspot.com said...

Wow! Its amazing how determined he is. Its good to know that the crash didnt ruin him. That shows how strong he is. I'm glad you both made it out ok!

Miss Magpie said...

You aren't wrong to call him amazing, I'm humbled just reading this.

That picture just has so much life in it, fantastic.

1950s Atomic Ranch House said...

Very inspiring story! Those kinds of injuries are challenging to overcome and deal with. And a (((hug))) for you too, because being a 'caretaker' is a big job too.

Love that he paints, and love his artwork!

LandGirl1980 said...

Oh my giddy aunt. I cannot believe what I have just read! His journey to recovery is an inspiration. You are so right - obviously NOT his time! :)

Tasha said...

What a scary yet inspiring journey. And how wonderful that he's had you by his side the whole time.

My partner is an artist too, and we really enjoyed looking at your husband's paintings. They're great. You are so right, he's amazing and talented!

Coedith said...

Wow! You deserve to be proud-of both of you. You didn't say it but I can imagine what a hard time that obviously was for you too. I am so sorry you guys had to go through that.
My brother and his wife were in a horrific motorcycle crash a couple of years ago and it is astounding how far reaching that one moment can be.
Your story is true love.

Straight Talking Mama! said...

Thanks for understanding all, I am proud so why not say it eh?

Sarsaparilla said...

Thanks for sharing this story, Fiona. You are an amazing couple... I'm proud of your husband - and I don't even know him!

Took a peek at the Etsy store - what a great name! - Earl Diablo - Artist, Writer and All Round Hep Cat. I think I like his "Basement Bounce" best! They're all fun paintings - what a talented man!

Lainie said...

Wow, thank you for sharing your story. Your husband is an inspiration, and it is wonderful that he can still express himself through writing and painting. He is very talented, and you are an amazing woman.

Retro Chick said...

Oooh, you big softy you! :D

That is an amazing painting, he is very talented. That story makes me a bit sad. It's terrifying how quickly your whole life can change. Your both fantastic ;)

Vintage Christine said...

On my goodness, how wonderful! He is truly amazing and talented, just like his fabulous wife. I visited his Etsy shop and convo'd you about one of the pieces. Great stuff!!!

Straight Talking Mama! said...

Hey Christine, just replied, thank you, he is rather amazing isn't he?

Ivy Black said...

What a top chap your hubby is. And what a journey he's made. I've dropped in on his blog and I'm going to enjoy learning about music from him...he certainly knows his stuff! Love his paintings too.
xxx

Andi B. Goode said...

Thank-you for sharing this with us. I don't even know what to say. I will say his art is AMAZING. I really love it. =D
-Andi x

Grace said...

THAT PAINTING IS AWESOME! good work, you are a lucky girl! : )btw really nice blog xxx
www.this-grace.com

Rocket Originals said...

You’ve every reason to be proud of Paul. We have a massive amount of respect for him, he is so upbeat after all he’s been through, he’s inspirational.

He is extremely talented, and an amazing, lovely man, and you should give yourself a big pat on the back as you are amazing and lovely too! I know Paul thinks so. You’ve been through so much together and are a fabulous couple.
xx

Sparkleneely said...

You should be VERY proud. Thank you for sharing -- so glad you both are still here. xoxo

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