Mr David A Garrood

I'm a web developer, amateur poet, parkour lover and Stroke survivor.

I was born in New Zealand and lived In Paraparaumu as a young Teen and adult until Moving To the capitol of Wellington as an Adult. I've worked all sorts of jobs including Banking and sales. Just before my 30s I moved to Amsterdam with my now Ex partner and became a web developer. I was drawn to The Netherlands because my Oma was born here, I have a great love for her as she was one of the kindest people I've ever known. I speak a little Dutch but not enough.

When I was 32 in 2020 I had a major stroke (two large blood clots ion my brain). This led to me losing the ability to control my entire left side. As I saw it I had two options, get angry, sad and give up or look on this as a life experience and approach it with positivity and an attitude of never giving up. I chose option 2.

In 2024 while visiting My home country (New Zealand) and staying with my sister and her amazing children, my nieces and nephew I suffered another stroke. This set me back a little and due to a recent break up which really rocked me led to some dark times.

I started to write poetry in hospital while tired, angry and exhausted. I continued to write it due to encouragement and the positive effect it had on me to record my thoughts.

I hope to one day collect myself enough to write a biography about my experience during the first stroke as it was very unique and intense.