Abstract: Reports a study exploring family experiences of stroke during the first six months following a stroke. Performs a hermeneutic phenomenological study in which four participants from two Auckland families are interviewed in 2011 and 2012, at three time-intervals within the first six months post-stroke. Identifies three themes of the families' experiences: loss of a life once lived; navigation of an unfamiliar path; re-creation of a sense of normality. Stresses the importance of contact with the health-care team in facilitating the transition to post-stroke life.