Wolfenshire posted at 6:58 PM Sat, 16 August 2025 - #4498992

Mid-Point Summer Picnic Event Speech

Hey everyone,

I’m not one for sappy speeches, and I’m definitely not here for sympathy. But I’ve got something to share, and I hope it hits you hard—in the best way. Two months ago, I had a stroke. A blood clot went from my heart to my brain. I’d spent a year pouring my soul into building this Summer Picnic Event before that happened. Then came heart surgery, and let me tell you, waking up to surgeons scrambling over an arterial bleed from a surgical mishap wasn’t exactly on my 2025 vision board.

But none of that matters. What matters is this: lying in that hospital bed, staring at the ceiling through endless nights, my biggest fear wasn’t about me. It was about this—our event, our community, our art. I was terrified I wouldn’t make it back in time to launch this Summer Picnic. Getting here felt like pushing a bulldozer up a mountain, but I’m here, and so are you.

Here’s what I need you to hear, straight from my heart: don’t stop creating. We’ve all been through changes—big, messy, soul-shaking changes. You know what they are; no need to rehash them. But don’t let them dim your fire. Keep making art. Keep doing what sets your soul alight. I haven’t posted stories in months—writing’s my thing, but the stroke hit my vision hard. I’m almost there, though, and I’ll be back at it soon.

In those long hospital nights, one thought kept me going: I have to tell them. I have to tell you—don’t quit. Don’t ever stop. Keep creating, keep sharing, keep shining. That’s what this event is about, and that’s what we’re all about. Let’s make this summer unforgettable.

Oof, that's rough. I'm glad to hear that you're better now, and back at it. Very inspirational speech though, thank you for sharing :)