No retreat, no surrender. Having had a few setbacks, I was determined that nothing would knock me backwards last week. Fortunately, nothing did get in my way, so I was able to progress as anticipated. A trip home A small step for one man, but a major leap forward in stroke recovery, would describe the moonwalk feeling, as I transferred into the car for the first time. The result was a brief trip home one lunchtime. It wasn't too difficult, but the feeling as I entered my home again, after six weeks, was brilliant. Having proper home-cooked food was superb, thanks to Babs' culinary expertise and forward planning. I hope to go home again today, Friday 13 May, whilst tomorrow marks the Zurich Premiership playoff at Twickenham, when our Leicester Tigers assert their superiority over London Wasps. Productive physiotherapy The trip was repeated. I was home for nearly five magical hours, so that I almost felt normal. On top of that, I'd had lots of productive physiotherapy during the week, culminating in the gym on Friday afternoon. I managed a few leg presses and all of five minutes on the exercise bike, consuming a massive 12 calories! Wow! Learning to walk is a complicated exercise, but I am getting a lot of practice. My left knee refuses to respond to most commands, but it is vital to learn things properly. Using the exercise bike should help to strengthen my leg and stabilize the knee. Credit to the nurses On reflection of my diary, I do not feel that I have given enough credit to the magnificent work of the dedicated nurses. Their commitment, devotion, tolerance and understanding prove that they see work as a vocation, not just a pay packet. I am constantly amazed by their attitude and will be eternally grateful. They are too numerous to mention individually, but all deserve the highest accolades. | 
