Strokes are terrible things; unpredictable, debilitating and life changing. That’s why I must admit that I was a little surprised when, a while ago, I received a phone call from a new client wanting refresher driving lessons after suffering a stroke. He wanted to enjoy the freedom of driving once again.
I was a little apprehensive about it, but after meeting Andrew for the first time, whilst he needed a walking frame I could see that he was driven to succeed no matter what. What more can I ask for in a student!
Andrew’s ‘driving therapy’ we’ll call it, took many months of slow and steady progress. Eventually, he was able to begin using his arms more and gradually was able to walk with the aid of a walking stick. Andrew felt that combined with his ongoing therapy, the driving lessons – turning the steering wheel, head checks, stopping and starting also helped him regain some his upper body movement.
I didn’t need to teach Andrew the road rules, he already knew that, but I thoroughly enjoyed helping him regain some strength and muscle memory to give him his freedom back. After his refresher lessons, he has since gone back to work and drives himself to and from to the city and back three days a week. That’s why I love what I do.
