31 October 2010

Time seems to rush past so quickly. I suppose it's that I don't do things as quickly as I used to that makes it seem like I've no time at all.

This weekend though has been one of little triumphs at being normal. My house is becoming more tidy, with new shelving up and books unpacked.

Today I went to see my first ladies' football match. It was a good experience – much less aggressive than men's matches I've seen. I tootled off down there to find that I was the sole supporter for the away team, whilst the home 'crowd' could be counted on the fingers of both hands. This struck me as a bit sad – I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a bunch of young women? Apparently pretty much everyone. It's sad.

But I've now resolved to go and see them at a home match. It'll be a longer drive, but well worth it I think. It's nice to know that I can still do things like that on my own. Bowed but not broken indeed!

9 October 2010

Today I feel like quoting Dickens "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times".

Today I headed off to the holiday home I built some 15 years ago with my brothers. It has always been a happy place for me. filled with happy memories. The walls show photos of my boys when they were little more than babies.

Each year we set aside two weekends for maintenance, when as many of us as are able go down there to do whatever needs to be attended to. This time, with my elder son at univerity, I took just my younger son with me. I can no longer do anything meaningful there, but I like to go, to add any advice that might be helpful and show solidarity.

However, today was not as easy as it should have been. As I picked my way across the patio, I guess I was tired and not concentrating. I feel down hard on my backside. No big deal I suppose, but it made me feel more helpless than ever. My son felt bad because he wasn't able to catch me (not his fault - or responsibility). Two of my brothers lifted me to my feet, making sure I was ok.

I love my family, every single one of them.

7 October 2010

It’s been too long since I wrote, and I’m not sure I can remember all that has happened since I last recorded my thoughts.

However, the move went well and I’m pretty much settled in now. My family haven’t entirely abandoned me, but nor are they a constant presence, which is something of a relief. It’s nice to have them around, but a major benefit of my moving was to enable me to remain independent – difficult if people are constantly fussing around.

The biggest problem in my new home is the distances. Although my flat had a lot of drawbacks, everything was near to everything else. Although the new place is bigger so that it will enable me to use a powered wheelchair, I’m still waiting for it (next week, all being well) and until then, distance is an important issue.

But that is focusing on the negative, which really isn’t a big deal. Each night I go to bed happy and relieved to have been so fortunate in finding such a perfect place.