The say anything, what's on your mind thread

**Acornvilla** · 04/02/2015, 12:08 AM

Been trying to get better at art and stuff. Did a Totti drawing yesterday, think it's about the best likeness I've managed so far, so wanted to show someone, here :P

**gustavo** · 16/02/2015, 3:33 PM

This day last year, I was playing indoor football and suffered a spinal injury which left me paralysed from the neck down. This has lead to a year of getting used to a different life whilst also retaining hope of recovery. I've been in the Mater hospital since the accident and hope to leave here in the next six months to go to the rehabilitation centre.

The biggest obstacle is the lack of independence. Virtually everything I could before on my own I now have to get assistance with. Staff are very helpful though and this has helped me.

I have missed going to see Sligo Rovers even though I picked a good season to miss. On the plus side I was able to watch virtually all of the World Cup. Here's me with Shay Given before they flew out for the Georgian match in September.

**Mr A** · 16/02/2015, 4:28 PM

That's a hell of a thing, sorry to hear of your misfortune. Best of luck with the recovery.

**pineapple stu** · 16/02/2015, 9:32 PM

What A said. Hard to know how to react to that tbh. Not an injury I'd have associated with indoor football. Best of luck with things gustavo.

**osarusan** · 16/02/2015, 11:29 PM

Ah Jaysus.

That's a very brave post Gustavo, fair play to you. I hope that things are going as well as they can go for you.

**Macy** · 17/02/2015, 7:59 AM

Best of luck to you Gustavo.

**nigel-harps1954** · 17/02/2015, 9:34 AM

Ditto the sentiments above. I have all the admiration in the world for folks who have to go through such tough times and come out so positive at the other end. Very best of luck to you for the road ahead.

**BonnieShels** · 17/02/2015, 10:43 AM

Gustavo posted something months ago when Tets took over as Ireland mod. I thought it was a joke. Sorry to hear about that dude. Here's to you!

**Eminence Grise** · 19/02/2015, 9:45 AM

It takes rare courage to be so open and positive after such a life-changing accident. I tip my cap in admiration at your resilience, Gustavo. Never stop hoping - dum spiro spero has truth enough and optimism to carry us through difficult times.

**Charlie Darwin** · 20/02/2015, 11:03 PM

Jesus, sorry to hear that gustavo. All the best, man.

**Acornvilla** · 02/03/2015, 9:54 PM

Spent all day overhauling my website, going mad, Ted.

**nigel-harps1954** · 03/03/2015, 10:23 AM

Some poor sod took over an hour to get out of my estate there now in the snow. Instant karma....some people don't seem to realise there's a car park for the Credit Union at the top of the road and yet they're smart and come down through the estate and turn at the bottom and park along the side of the road at the top, nearly always blocking the road for the residents. I've been waiting for a moment like this since I moved into this estate over a year ago.

I was watching him for about 40 minutes and missed all the gold moments for recording when I thought to take a video, only a pity I missed all the good bits. He had to call some friend to come along and give him a push. Makes staying home from college almost worthwhile.

**osarusan** · 03/03/2015, 1:45 PM

Moving back to Ireland in 5 days.

Half happy, half wondering what the f**k I am at, leaving this country.

**BonnieShels** · 03/03/2015, 4:27 PM

How long have you been in Japan at this stage?

**Spudulika** · 03/03/2015, 4:29 PM

Originally Posted by osarusan

Moving back to Ireland in 5 days.

Half happy, half wondering what the f**k I am at, leaving this country.

It's good news for you and the family! I envy you!

**osarusan** · 04/03/2015, 12:00 AM

Originally Posted by BonnieShels

How long have you been in Japan at this stage?

More than 10 years in total - 4 in this second spell. There was a nearly 3-year period in Ireland before this second time.

**gastric** · 04/03/2015, 12:19 AM

Best of luck osarusan! I hope you adjust to life at home.

**SkStu** · 04/03/2015, 3:29 AM

Very poignant post Gus. Puts a lot of things into perspective. All the best to you man.

Originally Posted by gustavo

This day last year, I was playing indoor football and suffered a spinal injury which left me paralysed from the neck down. This has lead to a year of getting used to a different life whilst also retaining hope of recovery. I've been in the Mater hospital since the accident and hope to leave here in the next six months to go to the rehabilitation centre.

The biggest obstacle is the lack of independence. Virtually everything I could before on my own I now have to get assistance with. Staff are very helpful though and this has helped me.

I have missed going to see Sligo Rovers even though I picked a good season to miss. On the plus side I was able to watch virtually all of the World Cup. Here's me with Shay Given before they flew out for the Georgian match in September.

**The Fly** · 04/03/2015, 3:36 AM

Originally Posted by osarusan

More than 10 years in total - 4 in this second spell. There was a nearly 3-year period in Ireland before this second time.

What's your occupation?

**osarusan** · 04/03/2015, 4:17 AM

I was working in the International Studies department of a Tokyo University - teaching classes on research (how to research), English for academic purposes, writing classes, autonomy classes, business English, and just general English as well.