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@~