The New Year is Nearly Here...

Hello for the last time this year...

Just a quick note to wish you all a very pleasant, prosperous and lucky (could not think of another word beginning with 'p' that I wanted to use!) 2009.

I thought I would take a brief look at my 2008 and discuss plans for 2009.

As you are all aware, I began this year in Springs, South Africa. I can tell you that I had absolutely no idea that I would be where I am today, let alone be surviving and striving for a future!

The year began in a bad way. I was unable to continue with Masters in Psychology (because of my age - which I'm sure you have heard me harp on about....) Following this disappointing news, I applied for a job (which required four months of rigorous testing - which I passed) and at the last hurdle was turned down because of my skin colour and for being over-qualified (psychology degrees made me over-qualified for a job that does not even pertain to the field). I can however say that these failures (sorry Mum, 'let-downs') led to me being where I am today. After I was turned down for this job, I got in contact with a company who head-hunted (for want of a better word - yes, I know Dad, but sometimes it is best to be left in the dark...) me for Air Traffic Control in Maastricht, Holland. Within the space of a month I was in contact with a friend in Holland, arranged my accommodation, travelling and last visits.

By the end of April, I had said my goodbyes and had left for my life's journey to Amsterdam, Holland (all-expenses paid journey I might add... and not by my parents either!!!) I landed in Holland, scared and excited! Korneel met me at the airport (luckily, because had I had to make my own way somewhere I would have failed hopelessly!) and took me 'home'. That weekend I caught the train, to Maastricht, on my own for the very first time, stayed in a B&B on my own for the first time and went to my first real job interview (and as you may have noticed, I was unsuccessful at!) I caught the train back to Amsterdam, where I was to figure out plan C. The time away from home was to be brought to a HUGE reality-check when Peter-John was killed in a freak helicopter crash. I managed to survive (I don't know how I managed not to board the first plane home...)

Korneel helped me survive my first month away from home, and I was truly grateful to him for it. My second month away from home was to be had in England, with another set of truly great friends, Carl and Wendy. This was my BIG plan... move to England and get a job. Not that I knew what I was going to do, or where I was going to do it. I was just going to move to England and find a job... what a plan..........

I searched for two weeks before finding a temporary job with Bethany and Nick in Westcliff-on-sea, as their Au Pair. I had said to Bethany that I had a job interview in Sevenoaks in June. She had been so desperate that she hired me for a mere two weeks, drove me to my interview and then kept me on until my first client. The few weeks that I spent with them went by quickly. I grew to love them very much indeed, little did I know that I was going to be visiting them so frequently.

I got the job with Active Assistance. I had a weeks training and was sent out on my first job. In London (of all places to send a NEWLY qualified Personal Care Assistant!) The job had its ups and downs (as my first client had to be admitted to hospital involuntarily). I was quickly placed with another client in Kent. After this client, I decided that I needed a holiday, and so popped across to Wales to visit my Great Aunt Ivy, Martin and my Uncle Rhys. I had an absolutely fabulous weekend, and was made to feel so welcome. I was reminded just why blood is thicker than water! After the relaxing weekend, I had to go back to work, where I went to my worst client in Malvern Link. Although, I did manage to experience the 'nightlife' in Birmingham... After this assignment, I quickly moved far, far away, to my next client in Devon. I was so grateful to this client for making me feel at home (as it was the first client that had taken the time to make me feel like part of the family!) I was, however, very drained at this point and at an all-time-low, so I took a much-needed holiday.

I caught a plane across to Northern Ireland and visited family for two weeks. I had an absolute ball! I met family for the first time (grandfather, aunt, cousins... ) and made new friends too (Peter and Janet being two memorable ones!) My grandparents managed to cram in the whole of Northern Ireland in such a short space of time... I did not think it was possible!!!! The thing that stands out the most is that my gran decided that I should lose weight - her attempts at getting me to lose weight were the bits that have made my memories of the holiday brilliant! Unfortunately, my holiday had to come to an end, so I booked another client to return to...

I returned to England and headed for Hathersage (where I stayed in a Youth Hostel for one night before moving to my next client), Sheffield, Hertfordshire, Solihull (where I met Tony and Hilary, the most inspirational couple I have ever met!), Exminster and then York. I worked for a week in York, and then had a superb holiday there. It was just what I needed after the clients I had been to. After York, I headed back to my favourite client in Solihull. I have spent a whole month here, and am still absolutely LOVING their company (although, I could use the two weeks break I have coming up!)

Well, that is my year in a nutshell, with all the ups and downs!

As for 2009...

I have a job interview coming up in the first week... so with any luck my year will be off to a good start! After I get a job, I shall attempt getting my own flat (but time will tell as to when this will be!) I am not making any big plans for this year, as I think that baby steps are in order after the year that has just passed! I can say, though, that I am most proud of my courage to leave my comfort zone and head for the big 'unknown'. I would never have guessed I would be in this position, but I don't think I would have changed it for the world... as a great man once told me... 'It builds character, C.'

I couldn't agree more.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Flu again???!!!

Hello,

Can you believe Christmas 2008 has come and gone? It's crazy, where does the time go?

Well, a quick update on all that has happened these past few days...

I awoke on Christmas morning to find that I had an unwelcome present... flu... I stumbled out of bed, put a smile on my face and tried to enjoy the day ahead.
Hilary made bacon sandwiches and champagne for breakfast whilst I opened my presents (yes, I got presents!!!) I unwrapped three jumpers (one of which is pure cashmere...), a candle holder, some chocolates and various little goodies. I was really impressed.

After breakfast, we went to the hospital to see Tony. He appeared to be doing much better. We spent an hour with Tony and then went to the local pub to have our Christmas meal with the family. The meal was rather nice (although Hilary did not like it that much - it was served late, there were paper napkins and a paper table cloth and the service was a little slow - sounds like Africa to me!!!) By the time lunch was over, I was feeling rather dreadful, so Hilary went to the hospital alone, whilst her niece took me home to get changed and medicated!

We then went over to Hilary's other niece for post-Christmas lunch celebrations. Hilary met me there and we spent the rest of the evening drinking, eating chocolates and being merry (well, as merry as one can be with the flu!)

Boxing day arrived all too soon. I was still feeling achy from the flu. Hilary was out of bed roasting a turkey at 06h00. I got out of bed, got dressed and made a valiant attempt at looking happy and well around 10h00. Hilary went to the hospital whilst I had a bath and got dressed and upon her return, collected her dad. They came to the house to pick up the turkey and bits and bobs to take to Heather's (Hilary's sister). We arrived at Heathers place and began setting up for the post-Christmas dinner. We all sat down to dinner at around 16h00, where we had all the trimmings (again). It was a really nice meal and I had a strange sense of de ja vu!

After dinner, Hilary went to the hospital to see Tony. I stayed behind as I did not think spreading germs to hospital patients was a particularly good Christmas present. By the time Hilary arrived back, everyone was feeling a little peckish. We made snack baskets for the table, so that people could just help themselves as and when they pleased. The last part of the evening (nearing on midnight) saw us playing card games - which I was pretty good at! (If I say so myself!) But, by the time we got home, I was absolutely shattered.

Saturday and Sunday went by in a blur. I spent both days in bed. The aches from the flu were still running riot so I faded between consciousness and deep sleep for both days. Luckily (or unluckily) Hilary had come down with the flu too (she had been having the symptoms for the best part of a week before I got sick - so I can blame her for my illness) so she spent the two days in bed as well.

Today I am feeling 80%, Hilary is feeling 20% and together we feel 100%.

What a way to start the new year, huh?

Can you believe it is christmas already?

Good evening to everyone!

I have decided to write you a quick update, covering only the good stuff!

As you are, no doubt, aware, I am still in Solihull doing very regular trips to Heartlands Hospital.

I have had some very interesting times at the hospital this month (whilst I realise it can be rather sad for the people involved, you must understand that I am an outsider with relatively little to do!)

I have sat at the hospital every day for the last month, making sure that Tony receives the care he needs, the care he deserves. In this time, I have felt some sadness, some happiness, some anger and some love. I have seen a very confused man who hated the idea of wearing a night gown (which meant that I knew him more than I cared to!) I have seen a man survive a surgery which he was not supposed to. I have heard the sirens from the 999 call that an alzheimers patient dialed from her bedside phone. I have watched as the nursing staff fumble their way around the ward. I have felt the kindness, the caring and the warm consideration the staff show for their patients. I have seen the love one human can have for another. I have witnessed the raw grief a family has after their loved one dies. I have understood the apprehension felt by a man released from hospital after a three month stay. I have been surprised at the human spirit, the want to live, the need to survive.

The hospital has brought with it many ups and downs for both Hilary and Tony. I have spent many nights sitting, holding Hilary as she has wept, just as I have spent the days consoling Tony. Although we have spent some hard times together, Hilary and I have had many good times too (in between the copious hospital visits and crying sessions). We have sat and spoken until the early hours of the morning. We have gone out to breakfast together and visited many many friends and places. Hilary has cared for me in a way I thought only my mother could. She has made me feel so at home (perhaps even more so... she phones to check that I have eaten lunch, and then gets home and cooks me dinner [even though she is the one who is exhausted!]). She has cared for my every need (if I am cold, she has run a bath. If I am sad she says the right things. If I am missing home, she makes me phone). She has looked after me as though I am her daughter (just as she has reprimanded me for going out with wet hair!) She has made sure that I am comfortable (she even got me slippers and a gown so that I did not have to get dressed in the colder bathroom). I don't know how she can be such a giving, caring individual when so much has gone wrong for her. I just hope that I learn from her and become half the woman she is.

As you are aware, tomorrow is Christmas day. Hilary has made sure that I have presents under the tree (she has even ordered me some snow from Santa!!!!). Her friends have spared a thought and sent me Christmas cards (I felt so very special). Her family have included me in their celebrations. I am so grateful to them all. Tonight we are going to deliver some Christmas presents (and perhaps attend midnight mass!) and have some pre-christmas celebrations. Tomorrow we shall wake up, open presents and eat a large cooked breakfast. We will then visit Tony in hospital, followed by eating Christmas lunch/dinner with the family, another visit to the hospital and then back to see family. Boxing day should see us visiting some more family (between visits to the hospital) and then having a Christmas dinner at home with just the two of us (yes, another whole xmas dinner!)

I don't think that I could ever repay Hilary for all her kindness, for all her love, I just hope that what I do have to give, my friendship, will suffice.

And now, a word to you all...

I truly hope that Christmas reminds you of everything you have to be grateful for. I hope that it reminds you of all the good things that have happened in your life this year and all the happy moments and memories you have made.

Thank you for reading my blog (even if it is just because you are nosey!)

All that is left for me to do now is to wish you a VERY Merry Christmas. May your celebrations be heartfelt, wonderful and truly memorable.

Stay safe,
All my Love
C@~

And on and on it goes!

Hi again (I know, I know, I am really outdoing myself!)

 

Well the weekend has passed in quite a flash!

 

I was able to sleep in on Saturday morning (and thus by default was unable to sleep past 09h00!) I spent the morning watching television in bed, followed by the afternoon shopping!!!! Is was a rather nice day (albeit a freezing cold day!) out.  Saturday evening Hilary and I came through to see Tony, made him comfortable and then went home for dinner.

 

Sunday arrived with a phone call from the hospital. Tony was in a bit of a panic (medication induced hallucinations) which meant Hilary was also in quite a state! We sat on her bed with tea, whilst she cried.  10h00 arrived and we were collected by Hilary's good friends and taken out to the german Christmas Market in Birmingham!  It was really nice.  We had a walk around the market looking at all the Christmas goods with brief breaks at the german sausauge stand, the german chocolates stand, the coffee stand and the roasted chestnut stand (and what would  

a break be without testing the wares???). Well after the market, we headed to the Birmingham art museum for a nice pot of tea in the warmth, beauty and glory of the museum.  It was rather nice.

 

We left for home, popping in at the symphony hall and conference centre it was a really good day out. We got home, had tea, and watched television until it was time to go and see tony at the hospital. 

 

The following weeks saw me visit Tony in hospital in the morning (until about 15h00) and then going home, after which, Hilary would go to the hospital for the 18h00-20h00 visiting hours.  The weeks go by very slowly, but very quickly (if you get what I mean??)

 

This last weekend saw the same routine play out - Saturday and Sunday, I get up late and then go to the hospital for night time visiting hours with Hilary.  Saturday after the hospital, Hilary and I went out to dinner at a friends place (but were really exhausted when we got back).  Sunday seemed to go down without a hitch... until about 23h00 when we got a phone call from the hospital asking Hilary to please come in to help calm Tony down... seems he is still suffering from hallucinations...

 

So...

 

Nothing changes.

 

I wonder what is going to happen this week...