On April 11, 2023, I experienced a severe headache and urgently requested an aspirin from my son. It quickly became apparent that during a medical emergency, my family wasn’t equipped to handle the situation effectively. This candid moment was shared on the podcast What Had Happened Was, which was released on December 10. Tragically, before I could take the aspirin, I lost consciousness and subsequently, a significant portion of my memory, spanning a bewildering twenty days.

In the aftermath of my hemorrhagic stroke, I underwent critical surgery and faced the daunting challenge of relearning basic skills, such as walking and speaking, at a specialized rehabilitation facility. This experience was not only physically taxing but also emotionally draining, as I struggled to regain my independence.

“I lost twenty days of my life,” I reflected. “But on May 4th, I woke up to a shocking reality.” Upon regaining consciousness, I was dismayed to find myself confined to a wheelchair. My first thought was a mix of confusion and frustration: “Why the f–k am I in a wheelchair?” This moment marked the beginning of a long recovery journey.

As a father to two daughters, Corinne Foxx, age 30, and Anelise Bishop, age 16, I deeply appreciate my family’s decision to keep my medical condition private during this difficult time. They were protective, not wanting the public to witness me in such a vulnerable state. “They didn’t want you to see me like that. And I didn’t want you to see me like that,” I expressed emotionally, emphasizing my desire to show my strength and resilience instead.

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