Some of Reuben's craft work

He started full time school this week.

All three have now transitioned fully to school.

One of his last moments of craft at home.

Here's some Reuben Craft.

Cat Empire

I don't often get to go out without some kind of purpose.

Tonight I managed to indulge. Around 10 years ago a friend said you have to see this band live. They're unbelievable.

10 years on after not seeing them he's taking me to one of their concerts.

Agreed. They rock!

With a little help

Reuben is recovering from his operation. The surgeon suggested that this is at least a 10 day process. It's vital to help his body heal. 

He has been glued to Angie all these days and every four hours has a dose of medication.

As a result I have been blessed to take Joshie and Caleb to and from school. I have loved it. We've done quizzes and chatted. It's been marvellous.

Yesterday whilst walking back Caleb decided to run ahead and go to the small park. I looked in and he was wrestling his friend. I shouted the ever so common phrase "come on Caleb" and continued walking expecting him to catch up. 

After his brief wrestle he picked himself up and managed to run down the hill. He tripped and fell. His knee, hand and head were scraped, bleeding and was in pain.

I immediately picked him up and having all their bags walked down the hill. Joshie helped and carried his rucksack and stroked his wounded brother.

My mind was concentrating on getting home so I could clean and patch him up. Also I was thinking will I be able to carry him all the way up the hill.

We walked and I whispered words to help his battered morale. A car pulled up and girl ran over and offered us two plasters. Then when I went to put them on it was very bloody and another woman came and said would you like some wipes. Then the plaster girl's mum came over and said why don't we give you a lift and her daughter (the one who gave us the plaster said I'd be happy to walk home to free up the space for all of us). In the space of seconds we were home.

What seemed a massive hill and journey to get home were made easy with a little help from strangers. 

Don't know your names or whether I'd even recognise you again... But ever so grateful for your helping hand today. Thank you.

Playing in the park with Joshie and Caleb

Flowers picked by his girl

Saw Joshie play football today and loved it. He loved it and Freya came down to watch her friend play. She picked a bunch of flowers for him too. 

He was so happy.

Reuben started school this week

AN OLDER POST WHICH I NEVER PUBLISHED!

A sad realisation of the journey of time.

A sad farewell to a wonderful chapter of our lives having the children raised to this day.

A sad farewell from home to school Reuben walked in to a new journey in his life.

What a handsome fella he is!

Reuben: 5 days after the operation

Reuben had his tonsils and adenoids out and grommets in.

He woke up with a nightmare and full of nerves ahead of the operation.

The consultant spoke with us and said the major aspect to this operation is the aftercare and to keep him loved and dosed up. Others who also had their children go through this and said they were told two weeks and it's at least that possibly more like three.

Five days on. I have been sleeping in a combination of Caleb and Joshie's beds and Reuben continues to heal. It's been pretty tough for the little guy. He's generally sad with a few moments of being back to the old Reuben. Those moments are increasing.

Revisiting Hope

I wrote about a family who I met late last year whilst on the streets of Bucharest here.

This week my colleague released a video of our time with the group: