Last October, I got on a train in NYC to leave behind 10 days with good friends with unforgettable memories in a city I truly love. As I sat there happy to be going home to see Rosie and my family, I had to think what my future might bring. Would I be in O2 all my life, would I buy houses or become a millionaire?

With the Hustle and bustle of JFK my thoughts turned to planning and I landed in Dublin 8 hours later tired and broke after spending €4000 gallivanting for 2 weeks. Happiness turned to worry as Xmas approached. How do I fuel a car to get to work and buy xmas presents for my loved ones? Thankfully my hard work was paying off and a decision in July 2013 to take the business role was reaping its rewards. So much so I got through xmas 2013, in February I was able to afford a car I always wanted. Was able to celebrate Maria’s birthday in Galway with my family and live happily without worry. I moved home for silly circumstances.

While all this was great there was one thing I forgot and took for granted. I was focusing on money and working. I liked the people I worked with but a job is a job. But I was burning myself out. Not taking time to relax. Although a contract of 80 hours per month, I was working a lot more. This in turn left me tired and neglecting things that were more important. With this in mind we decided to book a holiday to Italy in May with close friends. Everything was looking great.

We got an invite to my cousins wedding in Galway for the 2nd of May but with work commitments and the fact I would get paid expenses I chose to go to Dublin for a business meeting for o2. (disaster) We all know what happened and I was released from hospital 9th of June this year. Through them 5 weeks of which 3 I spent asleep there was a lot of re-evaluating of my priorities. Thankfully I had an amazing girlfriend and a remarkable family who moved heaven and earth to look after me even after being told I might not wake up and if I do, I won’t be the same. With determination and thickness I proved medical teams wrong again.

 Now why was this

1: First off, my family who have put up with this drama over the last 28 years, some say aren’t they great to do it but let’s be honest, did they have a choice? All I know is that I’m very lucky they are by my side.

2: Rosie who had the patience to sit by my side for 5 weeks praying for me to wake up then drive me around for 6 months but to also put up with my mood swings and temper problems that come with the medication. Alot of girlfriends wouldn’t do it.

3: Enda, Audrey, Vinnie, Julia, Kieran, Mark, John, Helena, Muireann, Sile, Tom Connor and my uncles and aunts as well as loads I forgot. They kept me and my family entertained and distracted as they sat in hope for them 2 months of hell.

4: The unbelievable work of Paula O’Neill who, by her own good will helped me regain power on my left side and gave me a reason to be the person I wanted to be. She has done the most work in the way I am today. Although ya better not mention the death word. ☺

5: Pat Divilly calling to Martina’s to talk as a person and not judge someone for there incapacity but to lead them to where they want to be. Helped me be brave enough to get my thoughts into the public and someday Pat, them vlogs will be pursued but my face is my own

6: My cousin Danny Ó Conchobhair who helped me set up this website and kept me focused on it. There were many times I felt like giving up but he drove me on and I am thankful for that.

This xmas I am happy be here to enjoy life with these guys, it’s enough for me. I will be forever grateful to every single person that has made contact and supported us through an unforgettable year and lifetime experience that I never want to see again. Remember those you love this Christmas. I know I’ll be remembering my mother, my donor and those who helped me. Live a life without regrets as we only get one go.  And as most people know them organs don’t work in you when you do pass away. Let’s hope 2015 brings happiness and good news

William Paschal. xxx