Musician Lira recently spoke to Relebogile Mabotja on The Upside of Failure on Radio 702, where she opened up about her experience of suffering a stroke 14 months ago. Lira shared how she had to relearn how to speak, read, and write.
Progress and Healing
Lira expressed surprise at the progress she has made in her recovery. “I get surprised with how much progress I’m making and today is a good day,” she said.
When asked why she decided to share her story, Lira explained that it was the right time. “People have been asking me to share my story and I wasn’t ready because I couldn’t talk. I wasn’t ready to speak in a conversation but now I’m ready and my speech impediment doesn’t bother me, as it did before. I’m here to share my story,” she said.
Valuing Life
When a caller asked if there was anything good that came from suffering the stroke, Lira responded with one word: “life.” She explained that the experience has made her value life more and not take anything for granted.
“When you have a stroke, it calms you from the stress of life. When I’m stressed, I can’t speak, so it is important for me to keep calm and peaceful,” she said.
Recovery Journey
Six months into her recovery, Lira revealed that she had been diagnosed with aphasia. However, she shared that she was well on her way on her journey of healing. “Can you believe it’s been six months. How time flies. I am feeling like myself yet I’m still on my recovery journey. It’s going to take some time, but it’s reversible,” she wrote.
A year after suffering the stroke, Lira opened up about the day it happened in a lengthy Instagram post. She explained that she had been exploring Germany when the stroke occurred. “I had no idea what was happening, so I kept walking,” she wrote.
Lira eventually walked into a restaurant but found that she couldn’t speak. “I moved my mouth, but words couldn’t come out. When I realised this, I just broke down,” she said.