‘I was losing so much – I had to change my outlook'
New UK|January 10, 2022
Jane Enright, 54, from Toronto endured three life-changing tragedies in just one year, but vowed to bounce back
KIRSTEN JONES
‘I was losing so much – I had to  change my outlook'

Sitting in the stands at my son’s volleyball tournament, I’m bursting with pride as I cheer him on in the midst of the excitable crowd. “Way to go” I yell, beaming proudly. Then, suddenly, a frustrated player hits the ball hard. It careers at high speed from the court and strikes my head – BAM! – with an almighty crack before it all goes black...

We were in our local stadium in Toronto and it was 2017. I didn’t see it coming and neither did my son, who watched it all helplessly on the court below as spectators jumped up to help me. By the time I saw a doctor, the damage was done.

“You have life-altering concussion and a serious brain injury,” he gravely told me. But that was only the beginning of my journey. From then on life became about enduring crippling headaches and fighting to overcome my speech loss and hearing.

For nine months I worked hard to improve my speech aphasia (word-finding issues), and I grappled with short-term memory loss, just like Dory in Finding Nemo. A friend told me, “You’re still you, but sometimes you’re just delightfully ditzy.” I lived in a new reality and I had to accept this new me.

A black curtain had come down in my brain – I couldn’t say the right words or remember the right things. I knew I couldn’t return to the work I loved, talking for a living as a strategic planner. I’d helped people deal with change by looking at things from the outside in. Little did I know just how useful my skills would be in my own life.

A year after my accident, in 2018, my fiancé Clayton was in a car crash and hit his head. We still don’t know what happened that day but 24 hours later, he collapsed onto the concrete floor in our garage and suffered a big bleed on the brain.

この記事は New UK の January 10, 2022 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は New UK の January 10, 2022 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

NEW UKのその他の記事すべて表示
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT
New UK

TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT

Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can improve digestion, boost immunity and enhance your overall wellbeing

time-read
3 分  |
November 18, 2024
Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex
New UK

Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex

Mirelle Mateus eventually broke away from her abusive relationship, but Aaron Romo wasn't prepared to accept it was over

time-read
5 分  |
November 18, 2024
'The win changed our lives for the better'
New UK

'The win changed our lives for the better'

While most people would regard a lottery windfall as the best news ever, for others it can lead them on a downward spiral

time-read
3 分  |
November 18, 2024
Struggling in silence
New UK

Struggling in silence

With many men still finding it hard to talk about their mental health, the Movember charity warns that suicide is on the rise

time-read
2 分  |
November 18, 2024
"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"
New UK

"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"

MAFS UK's Lacey Martin on her time on the show and her battle with endometriosis

time-read
4 分  |
November 18, 2024
'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'
New UK

'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'

Bake Off finalist Ruby Bhogal tells us about her \"big fat Indian wedding\" and why she'd be great in the jungle

time-read
5 分  |
November 18, 2024
'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life
New UK

'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life

This Morning's Josie Gibson tells new about stealing food on I'm A Celeb and who she can't wait to watch this year

time-read
4 分  |
November 18, 2024
Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch
New UK

Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch

Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch's third pregnancy could lead to a 'baby pact' with her good friend Stacey Solomon, a source tells new - and new career opportunities

time-read
3 分  |
November 18, 2024
Meghan fears Harry having to exit US
New UK

Meghan fears Harry having to exit US

The Sussexes are worried about incoming president Donald Trump's vow to consider deporting Harry over his visa drama and previous drug use, a source tells new

time-read
3 分  |
November 18, 2024
'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'
New UK

'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'

Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and his wife Michelle talk about how technology is helping their youngest son

time-read
5 分  |
November 18, 2024