Geoffrey’s Story

My name is Geoffrey Moreira. I am 61 years of age having worked all my life commencing from age 19 as a Swimming Coach in Sri Lanka where I was born. A family man having 2 daughters, Sophie now married to Nathan with their 1st born Caleb. Adele been the younger of the two now 29 is super confident, travelling the world when opportunities arrive and studying Event Business Management. They both visited to offer Love & Encouragement.
I relocated to the Gold Coast in December 2006 to work and enjoy the sunshine and of course the water. Life dealt a cruel blow whilst working for Telstra Big Pond in March 2010 when I felt my left side in both arm and leg feeling numb. I discontinued my responsibilities and walked home having discomfort and lying down in bed. I tried to lift myself off the bed to suddenly realize I could not and had no balance. Fearful of the next chapter of my life, I shouted to Tania my Partner that I couldn’t walk and cried uncontrollably. The ambulance was obviously contacted to transport me to the Gold Coast Hospital Emergency.
My fears were confirmed when I was advised that I had suffered a stroke. Well I presumed after an extended stay in hospital I would be back to normal. But alas I was totally wrong in my assumption. For 9 weeks being relocated to intensive Physiotherapy ward, I succumbed to daily upper and lower body exercises. A combination of frustration, isolation, anger, tears and emotional up and downs followed during that period. The Rehab: Unit staff and patients became my “family“. The stroke survivors were on the “same boat“ as me so to speak and gradually my feelings eased to positive thinking processes and exercise eagerness. Laughter and joking were the order of the day interspersed with a strict diet. We even became encouraging of others to pursue their goals even minor.
Exchanging life stories were encouraged to the point of exhaustion. Sleeping became a problem as home responsibilities took priority missing loved ones especially my 2 daughters living in Melbourne and Tania my current partner. I would also like to express my gratitude to Vikki my 1st wife for the life we had for a number of years. Tears and emotional pain were sometimes unbearable at night that left unimaginable stress; however dawn brought many other challengers to accept, like new exercises that were challenging.
2 years later I am progressing quite well walking, exercising on a stationary bike and pool routines alternatively over the week. I am continuing to have a positive attitude having listened to my loved ones both in Queensland and Melbourne. I encourage those people that have a disability to engage in all capacities of daily life to its fulfillment to achieve in no uncertain manner to regain faculties for a good, healthy, mobile life. I pray and encourage with you.
My Daily Routine: –
Be Positive; Be Alert; Be Relaxed in Mind & Spirit; Daily Rehabilitation;
Either Walk or Swim regularly alternatively; Respond with Kindness & Generosity;
Right Behavior; Right Attitude; No Anger; Sleep Well;
Strict Diet; Medication; Be Pro Active in your Beliefs; Have Confidence.
DON’T THINK …DO.

Geoffrey Moreira
3/64 – Brown Street,
Labrador Qld. 4215

Landline: – 07 55 638 289
E-mail – kiwi.boy1@bigpond.com

8 January 2013