My name’s Stuart. I’m 78 and I’m retired. Before retirement my life career was working for a bus company. It was a behind-the-scenes job keeping the buses on time, managing delays, making sure everything ran smoothly from the control room. There was a variety of things to do but it mainly revolved around a bit of problem solving and a lot of talking.
I had been really enjoying my retirement. I was painting, reading, travelling with my wife, and generally enjoying a slower pace. We even had a caravan for a while. I really enjoyed the fresh air and travelling to new places.
When I ended up with my spinal injury my life completely turned upside down. I can still move my legs and arms, but not well enough to stand for long or use my hands properly. Things like feeding myself or making a sandwich are suddenly big challenges.
Ever since the injury I’ve been staying in hospital, adjusting to a very different way of living. But I’ve found that you have just got to get on with it. That’s all you can do. I’ve never been one to dwell on what might’ve been. Life goes forward.
When I first arrived at the spinal unit, I remember being wheeled down to the garden one winter’s day. Even then, stripped back by the season, Horatio’s Garden was beautiful. I remember saying to the nurse, “I’d love to stay until spring, just to see it in bloom.” Well, it turns out I’ve been here long enough to see the tulips come up, and they were spectacular. I didn’t even know tulips came in so many shapes and colours.
The garden has been a very big source of peace and joy for me. I come down every day, weather permitting. There’s a calm to it. Little alcoves where you can sit quietly, soak up the sun and feel like yourself again. A friend of mine here has even planted some potatoes and we’ve shared the adventure together watching them grow.
I’ve also tried painting again, trickier and different now of course, but I’m learning new ways to do it, using sponges or just finding workarounds that suit how I move. One of the volunteers encouraged me to try ceramics too. My wife and I made a hot air balloon together during a session that’s now a gift for our new great-granddaughter, Bo.
Being able to create and learn whilst outside in a beautiful space has been a huge part in keeping me sane. It breaks up the long days. It reminds you that there’s still beauty out there, still things to enjoy.
And when my wife, my son, the grandkids come to visit me, it gives us somewhere to sit that doesn’t feel clinical or cold. It’s a beautiful garden where life is continuing.
If I had to sum up what Horatio’s Garden has meant to me, I’d say it’s given me something incredibly simple but often overlooked: fresh air and a reason to smile each day. That makes all the difference when you’re navigating big changes.
I’ll be going home soon, and I know things won’t be easy. But I’ll carry the garden with me. And I’ll be back for a check-up, just in time to see the roses, I hope.
