My Last client...

Hello again!

I hope that this blog finds you all well!

I was originally placed in Solihull for precisely one week.  I caught the train from Chalkwell into Fenchurch street (Tower Hill), travelled across to Kings Cross and then headed for Solihull.  The journey was rather long and very tiresome.  I arrived in Solihull and phoned my clients wife to come and collect me from the station (I must admit, I am getting rather good at demanding people work around me!!! - Hey... stop chirping, it IS a new skill!)

Anyhow, Hilary collected me from the station and we drove a short distance to her home.  I received handover from the last PA and settled into my new environment.  The first things I noticed were that the bungalow was very neat, very clean, rather warm and seemingly familiar...

Hilary told me to unpack and place my case in the garage whilst she made me a cup of tea (now that is what I call 'service'!) My client was whisked away to physiotherapy by Solihull ambulance service, which left me the entire afternoon to do something with.  The late afternoon was drawing in quite quickly and I was feeling more and more tired.  Hilary said that I should go for a nap whilst Tony was out... I did... 

The first day was a little akward, as I was still getting my bearings and watching how stuff was done.  I noticed that Hilary was working from home (as she does everytime a new PA arrives).  Around 18h00 she got up and made tea.  It was nice, one meat and three vegetables (just the way Nanna cooks!) I was not expected to do anything (so needless to say, I felt rather guilty!)  For some strange reason, I began settling in and becoming quite comfortable... I became very aware of this at each passing moment and could not place my finger exactly on why.  As I sat wondering what was so familiar, it suddenly dawned on me... My grandparents home is coloured the same way (calm, neutral colours, where everything has its place and fits immaculately), their attitudes are so similar (caring, loving, calming) and they make me feel as welcome and at home. 

The next few days passed by quite quickly.  I felt more and more comfortable (and yet missing home more and more because of the familiarity).  Thursday arrived, Tony and I sat and discussed anything and everything (including the ins and outs of his accident and its repercussions).  When Hilary got home from work, we were still sat discussing their social life.  Hilary walked through the door and stopped dead in her tracks.  It was so noticeable that it made me quite concerned.  She walked round to face Tony and ask if he was ok.  I got that much more concerned.  She followed her question by: 'you don't have the TV on... is everything ok?' I smiled, he nodded.  I decided to make myself scarce and so went to the kitchen to put the kettle on.  Hilary came in behind me and told me how impressed she was that I had managed to talk to Tony without the TV being on (apparently he has not done this since his accident...) The rest of the evening went off without a hitch.  I was left wondering why my face had glowing fluorescent signs on it saying 'talk to me.... talk to me...'  

Friday night arrived, and saw me, Tony and two of his friends going to the local pub (apparently I had convinced him that it was a good idea to go to places he had not been since his accident... who knew...) It was a REALLY nice evening out.  We had pub grub (which was, as expected, rather yummy), a couple pints and then went back home.  We arrived back, Hilary had had time to soak in the bath and relax.  She looked better.  We went inside and had some tea.  Before long, it was bedtime.

Saturday arrived and Hilary gave me the day off.  She said that she knows how hard I had been working and that I deserved some time off (I like these people more and more!!!!).  Needless to say, I took the time gladly.  Hilary decided that it would be a good idea to drop me off in town, so that I could get away and not be 'tempted' (as she put it) into working... Just before I was ready to go, they called me into their room.  I went in, they handed me some money.  I turned them down as politely as I could, saying that I cannot accept their money.  I explained that I was not allowed to, and that I am already paid for my time there.  Needless to say, they would not let me leave without taking their money (salt and vinegar chips experience).  They said that I should get something for myself and that they wanted to see what I got... I was absolutely flattered.

Whilst in town, I bought myself a watch (with their money), some pyjamas (from M&S - excuse us!!!!) and various other items.  It was a lovely outing!  Around 16h00 I phone Hilary to come and collect me (as I was feeling REALLY guilty for being out).  We got back home and Hilary told me to go and sit down (she said that I had done enough and that she would do the rest of the evening...)

Sunday came around, I got out of bed, made my bed (yes, I can actually make my bed!!!!) and went to put the kettle on.  Hilary came through to the kitchen and collected her cup of tea.  On her way back to her room, she looked into my room.  She stopped, turned around and came back to me, saying that I should come and sit on her bed and drink my tea (because my bed was already made).  Later that afternoon, we had guests around for Sunday lunch.  It was lovely, they really made me feel like part of the family.  I felt so settled.

Monday morning arrived and I got a phone call from Active asking if I could stay on for a few extra days, as the PA who I was handing back to would not be able to get there for the Wednesday.  I really did not mind whatsoever.  So my time there was extended until the Friday. I turned over and before I knew it, I had tea in bed... I felt suddenly overwhelmed, thinking about home.  I stopped myself from thinking as I had to get Tony up and dressed by 08h00 (which can take up to two hours) as he had an appointment at Oswestry (one of the brilliant spinal injury care units - bordering Wales).  We were collected by a transit vehicle from Oswestry, and taken to the appointment.  We spent the best part of the day there.  We eventually arrived back from Oswestry, cold and tired.  The day had taken its toll on Tony, so he spent Tuesday day in bed.  On Tuesday night, Tony and Hilary decided that they would like to take me out to dinner down at the looal pub.  It was absolutely freezing cold outside, but they were insistent on going.  We got down to the pub, had an awesome meal, a few drinks and a good chat and then zooted back home (fighting the cold at every step)!

Wednesday and Thursday passed without much excitement.  Friday arrived and it was time to pack and get going.  As I was on my way to the car, Hilary handed me a coat (which she said I could have as it no longer fitted her) and Tony gave me his blessings.  Hilary drove me to the train station, on the way saying that if I needed a place to stay at any time, I was welcome back.  I  got out the car, dragging my suitcase behind me, sad, but knowing that I would return.