An Overview - Looking Back

I was inspired to write this because even though I am only 41, I have no idea how much time that I have left on this earth. My life has had many up's and down's. However, I don't think that I would change anything even if I could. Because I have learned something from everything, the good and the bad.

My life started off hard. I was born three months premature. I developed both hydrocephalus and epilepsy. In addition to having a blockage in my throat, preventing me from breathing normally. I had various other medical problems as well. The doctor's didn't give my parents much hope for me.

Somehow, I made it. My life was never easy but it was fairly normal given my rough start to life. When I was 24 years old I decided to move to Australia for a year and then move back home to Texas. Well, that was seventeen years ago (as of 2026) and I still have not moved back home.

I have lived and worked in seven different countries. I have had the privilege of visiting 47 different countries (as of 2026). I hope to be able to visit many more before I leave this world. Currently, I live in Pamplona Spain with my Colombian/Spanish wife and our wonderful daughter Eliana Valentina.

If someone had told me that my life would turn out this way, I would have said that they were crazy. I managed to become an English as a second language teacher (not something that I planned on or expected). However, I fell in love with it and realized that I was actually good at it. 

Then, in 2020 I had a failure of my original vp shunt. After 12 brain surgeries, I was left with a TBI (traumatic brain injury). I had six years of very little recovery. I was left with limited mobility and speech issues due to facial paralysis. My life changed forever.

Now, in 2026 I have finally started making progress again. My depression has lifted and my motivation has been restored. My life is hard, nothing is easy or automatic for me anymore. However, life is absolutely worth living. I am excited to see what the future holds.

I do have brain damage but both my mind and my body are slowly but surely responding. I look forward to everyday now. I can't wait to wake up and be able to spend more time with my family and friends. 

I have no idea how much time that I have left. However, if I was to die tomorrow, then my last thought would be "I have really had a great life despite my challenges". I have been very lucky to amazingly supportive parents who have given me every chance to succeed in life. They refused to believe the doctor's worst-case prognosis for me. I will be forever grateful to them for never giving up on me. 

Til next time, Tyler