2016

• January 15th: Ray Bekeris, 60 years old, suffers a major stroke while driving home from work in Carnarvon, Western Australia. He manages to reach his garage but is unable to walk or use his right arm.
• January 15th – February: Ray is transported by the Flying Doctor to Royal Perth Hospital, where he remains for a month. He is diagnosed with a sizable stroke and golden staph infection. He undergoes therapy but struggles with communication and mobility.
• February – March: Ray is transferred to Fiona Stanley Hospital for further rehabilitation. He starts to regain some speech and mobility, including climbing stairs with the help of a night nurse. He also discovers a passion for rowing.
• April – May: Ray moves in with friends for home rehabilitation, aided by the Rehabilitation in the Home (RITH) team and a private neuro therapist. He struggles with depression and anxiety about returning to work.
• July 1st: Ray passes his driving test, a significant achievement for a stroke survivor.
• July – June 2017: Ray returns to Carnarvon for on-the-job rehabilitation, but his wife relocates to Perth. He experiences emotional strain due to the long drives back and forth.
• June 2017: Ray is made redundant from his job after 21 years, leaving him devastated.
• June – December 2017: Ray lives alone in Carnarvon and rents out part of his house, finding solace in conversations with his tenants. He faces the stressful task of selling his properties and relocating to Perth.

2017

• December: Ray’s wife of eight years decides to end their marriage, leaving him emotionally shattered and homeless. He contemplates suicide.
• December – January 2018: Ray seeks help from friends and support services. He stays with a friend and begins seeing a counsellor.

2018

• February: Ray begins professional help for his depression and is served divorce papers. He struggles with the legal complexities of the divorce.
• February onwards: Ray finds solace in long walks on the beach and starts volunteering as a driver at Shalom, a drug rehabilitation centre. He gradually rebuilds his life and develops a passion for currency trading, which challenges him mentally and provides structure. He also finds joy in gardening and continues rowing for physical and mental well-being. He takes on small handyman jobs, gaining confidence and a sense of purpose.
• Present: Ray is a stroke survivor, not a victim. He shares his story to help others and raise awareness. He embraces new opportunities and approaches life at a slower pace, finding joy in simple things and focusing on mental and physical well-being.

Cast of Characters

Ray Bekeris: The author and protagonist of the story. A 60-year-old man who suffers a major stroke, leading to physical and emotional challenges. He demonstrates resilience and determination in his journey of recovery and rediscovery.

Ray’s wife: Ray’s spouse of eight years who decides to end their marriage two years after his stroke. This decision adds to Ray’s emotional turmoil and leaves him homeless.

Ray’s sister: A nurse who lives in Canberra and provides support during Ray’s hospital stay. She advocates for his transfer to a specialized facility in Perth and spends time reading to him, encouraging exercises, and offering companionship.

Rachael: Ray’s daughter, who visits him during his hospital stay and participates in a 100-kilometre run to raise awareness and funds for stroke victims.

The Night Nurse: A compassionate nurse at Fiona Stanley Hospital who breaks protocol to encourage Ray’s walking progress, boosting his confidence and determination.

Therapists: Various professionals who help Ray regain his speech, mobility, and cognitive abilities. These include speech therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and neuro therapists.

Friends: A crucial support system for Ray throughout his journey. They offer accommodation, companionship, encouragement, and understanding during his darkest moments.

Doctor from Nigeria: A close friend who provides support and connects Ray with another friend who offers him a place to stay after his divorce.

Lawyer: A compassionate lawyer who helps Ray navigate the complexities of his divorce, offering patience, kindness, and guidance.

Men at Shalom: The individuals Ray drives to appointments during his time volunteering at the drug rehabilitation centre. Their struggles inspire him in his own recovery journey.

R.W.N teacher: A teacher who helps Ray connect his thoughts and feelings into words, enabling him to tell his story.

The Korean backpacker: A tenant in Ray’s Carnarvon house who shares laughter and a basic level of communication despite language barriers.

“Buddy”: Ray’s dog, a source of comfort and companionship during challenging times.

Various individuals encountered during Ray’s recovery: People Ray interacts with in shopping malls, coffee shops, and while doing handyman jobs. These encounters help him rebuild his social confidence and practice communication skills.