Marie O'Regan and her husband Paul Heron

Welcome To My Blog...

Hello and welcome! This is my little corner of the internet where I share stories of resilience, recovery, and life’s unexpected twists. Over 20 years ago, I faced meningococcal septicaemia—an illness so severe I nearly lost my leg. The recovery was long, challenging, and life-changing, but it showed me the strength we can find within ourselves when life pushes us to the edge.
 
Now, that same leg has brought another challenge: a ruptured Achilles. The pain is intense, the recovery is slow, but every step—literally and figuratively—is a lesson in patience, determination, and hope. Through this blog, I share the highs, the lows, the frustrations, and the small victories, hoping to inspire anyone navigating their own health journey or simply seeking a reminder that even when life knocks us down, we can rise again.
 
Marie O' Regan and her husband first night out for belated husbands birthday

About Marie

I’m a teacher who absolutely adores my job. Connecting with children, watching them learn, grow, and shine is one of my greatest joys. I’m also a mum to two amazing kids, a wife, a friend, a daughter, a sister and someone who thrives on life’s little adventures.
 
Beyond my work and family, I love staying active, whether it’s through Pilates, walking, or outdoor adventures. Life has thrown me some tough challenges, from serious illness to injury, but I’ve learned to face each one with resilience, humor, and determination.
 
This blog is a mix of my health journey, my reflections as a mom and teacher, and the everyday moments that bring meaning and joy. I hope my stories encourage, connect, and maybe even inspire you to keep going—no matter what life throws your way.
 

Where All This Started

Why I’m Writing This

On Saturday, I was a runner. A mother. A teacher. A person whose identity was built on movement — half marathons, daily runs, GAA matches, school sports days, bike rides, endless errands, laughter, and action. Sport was how I connected with my kids. How I reached my students. How I processed stress. It wasn’t just something I did — it was who

Read More »

Daily Updates

Day 11:From Mr. Bean to Sunshine & Chocolate: A Recovery Day Like No Other

Morning Madness: The Mr. Bean Shower Recovery isn’t always graceful. Some days, post-injury life feels like a full-blown Mr. Bean episode — juggling crutches, wheelchairs, shower products, and an unexpectedly rebellious razor. Today was one of those days.I woke up feeling sluggish, dragging myself into the morning, and decided it.....

Day 12 – Casts, Franken-Leg, and League Final Madness: My Recovery Marathon

They say recovery is a marathon, not a sprint… but today? Today felt more like a hospital-themed obstacle course, complete with casts, stitches, wheelchair maneuvers, and a side quest called “Get to the League Final.” I’ve always loved running and sports – from sprinting at the Cork City Sports in.....

Day 13: From Supermom to Bedbound — Laughing Through Recovery

How life flips your superhero routine upside down and teaches you to survive, one pillow at a time. I used to tell my kids, “I’m not Superwoman.” Ha. Looking back, that is adorable. Compared to now, I was basically the superhuman of superhumans. I could cook, clean, organise, referee arguments,.....

Day 14: Scooters, Sisters & Superheroes: Lessons in Kindness

From Dingle detours to three-amigo chaos — a story of love, laughter, and the people who made me feel human again. 💖 The Kindness Chronicles: Capes, Coffees & CrutchesWhen life literally knocks you off your feet (hello, ruptured Achilles 👋), you quickly discover the extraordinary kindness people are capable of......

💖 Day 15:The Kindness Chronicles:

💖 Capes, Coffees & Crutches When life literally knocks you off your feet (hello, ruptured Achilles 👋), you quickly discover the extraordinary kindness people are capable of. Over the past months, I’ve been surrounded by superheroes disguised as friends, family, and even strangers — with doses of laughter, chaos, and.....

Day 16 of Recovery: Birthdays, Patience, and Cake (and a Lot of Crutches)

Birthday Plans vs. Couch RealityDay 16 of recovery. My husband’s birthday. Normally, this would mean hiking up a mountain, cycling into the city, rollerblading like pros, playing football with the kids, or heading off for a weekend adventure. Basically, anything that involved movement and not lying on a couch. This.....

Day 17 of Recovery: The Imposter in My Body

It’s not getting easier. Not at all. In fact, in some ways it’s getting harder. The pain is dropping, the meds are dropping, and now it’s just me staring at this cast all day, battling the endless difficulties of doing the most basic things. Who knew pouring a cup of.....

Day 18:Oh No, My Achilles! What Exactly Is an Achilles Rupture?

Meet Your Achilles (and Its Drama) The Achilles tendon: that tough cord at the back of your ankle connecting your calf to your heel. It lets you run, jump, sprint, and generally feel like an action hero… until one day, it decides it’s done with your shenanigans. Enter: the Achilles.....

Days 19 & 20: From Wiggles to Hall Floor Olympics

The 4 a.m. Circulation GameNineteen days in, and I’m officially a professional at the 4 a.m. “is my foot still attached?” game. Every night it’s the same — pins, needles, panic, and then relief when the numbness fades. Who needs Netflix when your own leg provides this much drama? The.....

Days 21 & 22 – The Great Protein Strike and the Sunshine Rebellion

Two tough days. Two absolutely stunning, sunshine-soaked days when the world seemed to say, “Come on out!” — and my foot firmly replied,“Not a chance. We’re on bed duty.” There I was, confined to my elevated throne — one leg balanced majestically on five pillows (because four is for amateurs).....

Days 23–24: Not Giving Up (Even When You’re Tempted to Stay in Bed)

Day 23: Fighting the BedDay 23 started with a battle against my own bed. The world outside was calling, but my foot—and honestly, my whole body—wanted nothing more than to stay horizontal and sulk. So I cranked up the Trolls song “Not Giving Up Today”, hit repeat… about five times,.....

Days 25–26 – Toe Wiggles, Cast Off, and Coffee Adventures

Toe Wiggles and Tiny WinsProgress these past couple of days? Let’s start with the humble toe wiggle. That’s right — for someone who used to run, lift, jump, and push herself to the max, celebrating a twitch in my toes feels… well, a little soul-destroying. Cue the team songs. I’ve.....

Get In Touch

I would love to hear your story….