News that Age will bust out of hospital soon!

Yep - its true.  News on the street is that as soon as next week, Age will be busting out of hospital and let loose amongst the wildlife... or something like that!

Its been a little while since I updated the blog about Adrian's progress - for the simple fact that there hasn't been any significant news of changes.  He undertakes strenuous physio and OT every day for up to four hours a day, which leaves him absolutely exhausted mentally and physically.

I know he gets a little despondent about his perceived lack of progress, and though it is small, I see and hear the improvement every time we connect. Friends and loved ones are asked to hold him strong - especially now.

Tonight, when we spoke, I think it was the clearest and most concise I have heard him formulate sentences and ideas for a long time.

He still has a long journey in front of him, but with the love and support of those around him, it will be baby steps towards his recovery.

This is an old photo - but one I forgo to post up at the time. Morgan loves checkers and chess - so is more than happy to play with Dad to pass the time.

The kids message to daddy

As Age is not able to read well, or respond to texts or email, I thought we might send him some short videos from time to time, of the kids messages of support and love. They had videoed lots and sent to him already.

Here is one today.. though I think I might need to remind them they are on video.. and have something to say!! At least you can see its off the cuff and unscripted!

Age Progress Report

Although Adrian progresses every day, sometimes he can't see or feel it. So if you can, please call him or visit to encourage and support this monumental journey he is undertaking.

I told him that the Camino was a gentle walk in a park compared to what he is facing now. Everyday the OT, speechy and physios put him through gruelling and exhaustive activities. He is normally completely wrecked physically and emotionally in the afternoons.

His speech is so much clearer and he is able to string complex words into sentences. So proud of his tenacity.

Adrian told me he was feeling dejected and frustrated with his ability to comprehend simple lists of instructions as he forgets or get confused easily. So when you visit or speak to him, be gentle.

We both know his recovery will be lengthy and possible through the love and support from those who care about him deeply. 

The kids and I are returning to Dalveen for a while as our house sitting job in Gympie has finished. Heartbreakingly, with a 7 hour( one way) road trip from Dalveen to Cooroy, we won't be seeing him much for a while.

I am in no headspace to plan anything further than a day or so ahead and am unwilling to commit to anything at the moment... So as weird as it is for miss spreadsheet planner.... I have no plans. I refuse to commit to anything.

I grabbed a shot of Age and the kids yesterday. You'll see how well he looks! I keep joking his arm brace needs to be made from leather and have studs in it!

Making Marmelade

I'm really enjoying the simple life. But to be honest, I don't know if I could handle anything more complicated.

The kids and I visited a wonderful friend, De, who has a small orchard of various citrus fruits. We all went down and picked limes, lemons and cumquats to make marmalade. Yum.  

The kids and I then huddled round our table to cut and slice the fruit up.

And finally today, I boiled it up and have bottled it. Its a bit dark, which means I overcooked it.. But I wanted it to set!

Its got the most gorgeous flavour!! Yummmmmbo!!

 

Age settling into Eden

Age is looking fantastic - especially considering how grey and drawn he has looked even a week ago.

His eyes are sparkling and he has good colour.

He has an arm/ shoulder brace to help mobile and focus movement in his right arm. I am so proud of his  absolute strength and resolve in his healing..( not sure if 'proud' is the right word??)

He is being challenged every day by the physio and OT . Every day I see huge improvements, especially with his speech and diction. We both realise that his stay at Eden may be for an extended time, but know this is the best place right now for his healing.

He has enjoyed the short visits with the kids and playing uno with them. I believe there is a checkers challenge raised for tomorrow..

Below is a shot of his Gym.. 

New Hospital for Age

A quick blog post to let you all know Adrian has been transferred to Eden Private Hospital in Maple Street, Cooroy.  

I am so delighted to say I scored him a  private room - which, though looks out onto a patio, is secluded and he can see trees.. Its Suite 36, in case you are up that way and can visit. He has his mobile which he can use - or use skype.. Or direct phone is 0754726468 . 

The admin folk were pretty insistent on telling me that phone calls and visits were strictly in visiting hours only. Visiting hours are 3 - 8 pm on weekdays and from 1 pm on weekends. Apparently there is no more laying round in bed for Mr Evett! He has full schedule in day of physio and other therapies so won 't be in his room in the mornings much. 

The kids and I settled him in last night, after the poor fella waited all day for the transfer! I was a bit cranky as I had said I could go down and get him, but they assured me all was in hand and he was leaving at 9.30 am.. And as I waited at Eden, he still hadn't left by 3.30... Phew! 

Anyway, the kids were overjoyed to see him. They both miss him so much. Nightimes are the worse.

Age is looking great, and his speech has improved in leaps and bounds. I'm sure all the concentrated therapies he will be undertaking will just triply speed his recovery.

Today he is having reviews and tests done, so it wont be till mid week next week till we know how long he will be there for. Eden is a mid to long term facility, so it may be months.. Who knows. All depends on Age and his reaction and effort in rehab. If anyone is going to bust out of there quickly, it will be him.

Bubble Bubble

With the new moon/ dark moon, brings the end and beginning of things. A time to create and a space to lay things to rest.

I've rediscovered my love of preserving and am pretty please with the results... and my wonderful little helper - Morgan.

 Last night I completed the steps in making strawberry and raspberry jam and mustard pickles. Its these two things that really feel "homely' to me.. real comfort foods.. Though I can't eat them at the moment.. they will keep.. and I've already promised bottles to some folk - the joy of cooking - giving it away to people who enjoy it.

Mar Mar always had a batch of mustard pickles on hand. I have fond memories of her brown bread, sliced thick with slabs of butter, fresh boiled eggs and smothered in mustard pickles... Mmmmmm

So, below is a pic of my newly made jars of love. Something sweet and something sour..

Age would love to hear from you!

Over four weeks now in hospital and no matter how pretty those physios are or cute the med students are, things can get a bit dull for Age......

There is the high possibility he will be moved to the rehab hospital today, if not, then this week.

In any case, please call him in his mobile as he has it on all the time, as well as skype him. He likes to talk on skype alot better as if you have the facility, you can see him - and communication is always better when you can see someone.

His skype is his name adrian.evett

Age sees the kids - with good news

Small steps is what we are all after- and it was wonderful to be able to see Age so happy to see the kids tonight.

They miss their dad so much...

Some great news received today was that he may be transferred to Eden Rehab as soon as Monday... So at least then it will only be a forty min drive one way to visit , rather than three and a half hour one way..