Day 21 (with all the red disinfectant... The thread still there)
And today day 35 (after my first bath- a lot of old skin to scrub away. Thread still there)
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Thursday, 20 September 2012
Diary of a Achilles tendon rupture recovery
Day 2 (swollen)
Day 21 (with all the red disinfectant... The thread still there)
And today day 35 (after my first bath- a lot of old skin to scrub away. Thread still there)
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Day 21 (with all the red disinfectant... The thread still there)
And today day 35 (after my first bath- a lot of old skin to scrub away. Thread still there)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, 10 September 2012
First day of school
Joshie started school today. And its Reuben's second week.
They grow up fast.
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They grow up fast.
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Sunday, 9 September 2012
At the Paralympics with Joshie
We were miraculously given two tickets for the Paralympics.
We dreamed of going and a friend said they wanted to give us a treat in the form of 2 tickets for the 7th Sept between 10-12.40 in the Olympic stadium.
Being a bit of a invalid with my Achilles injury I'm barely mobile. It's seemed so lame to be speaking of my limited abilities amongst the largest global gathering of abilities amongst the disabled community.
We got escorted fairly much to the door.
The atmosphere was amazing and to top it off we saw Josue Cajuste who happened to have Joshie on his shoulders only 5 days earlier throwing in the javelin.
The morning was awesome.
Watching blind people sprint down a track and leap with only voices telling where the line was and propelled into the air using their remaining senses to land safely. We saw races in wheelchairs. We saw the pinnacle of people who defied the naysayers to triumph heroically to display what they are able to do.
Great to see the super humans.
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We dreamed of going and a friend said they wanted to give us a treat in the form of 2 tickets for the 7th Sept between 10-12.40 in the Olympic stadium.
Being a bit of a invalid with my Achilles injury I'm barely mobile. It's seemed so lame to be speaking of my limited abilities amongst the largest global gathering of abilities amongst the disabled community.
We got escorted fairly much to the door.
The atmosphere was amazing and to top it off we saw Josue Cajuste who happened to have Joshie on his shoulders only 5 days earlier throwing in the javelin.
The morning was awesome.
Watching blind people sprint down a track and leap with only voices telling where the line was and propelled into the air using their remaining senses to land safely. We saw races in wheelchairs. We saw the pinnacle of people who defied the naysayers to triumph heroically to display what they are able to do.
Great to see the super humans.
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Monday, 3 September 2012
What dreams are made of
Yesterday was quite a day.
"The world's most inspirational Paralympians" was a headline of a centrepiece in one of the national newspapers. The article featured 9 (maybe 11 if you include the 2 Rwandans that compete as a united team though only 18 years earlier fought each other on separate armies of the civil war- each of their amputees a result of conflict and their chosen sport one of collaboration, sitting volleyball.) It even had Dedeline, from Congo who lost her legs from Landmines. But at the centre was two athletes Leon Gainsly and Josue Cajust from Haiti. They both represent a country that is crippled with poverty and disaster. They train by rubble. They train amongst name calling and represent, like all these athletes, a Dream of something bigger than sport, disability and politics.
I was grateful, albeit by accident, stumble upon Leon, just as thos who rescued him from the rubble which claimed his wife, 8 children and his legs in what should have been a maternity ward that I was involved in trying to help amidst the earthquake of 2010. I didn't plan on meeting him. I guess I didn't plan on seeing a girl dying when I was there that was crippled by disability and left to die by a doctor who couldn't help her yet desperately wanted to help.
Seeing Leon and Josue's determination and desire to be more at the centre of those pages inspired me. I will cheer them on over these days and salute all who compete amongst incredible adversity in the Paralympics. Every athlete has a story and loving how these games celebrates each of them and allows these to be taken back to their communities to inspire and bring hope.
Here's the moment when we got to meet some of them.
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"The world's most inspirational Paralympians" was a headline of a centrepiece in one of the national newspapers. The article featured 9 (maybe 11 if you include the 2 Rwandans that compete as a united team though only 18 years earlier fought each other on separate armies of the civil war- each of their amputees a result of conflict and their chosen sport one of collaboration, sitting volleyball.) It even had Dedeline, from Congo who lost her legs from Landmines. But at the centre was two athletes Leon Gainsly and Josue Cajust from Haiti. They both represent a country that is crippled with poverty and disaster. They train by rubble. They train amongst name calling and represent, like all these athletes, a Dream of something bigger than sport, disability and politics.
I was grateful, albeit by accident, stumble upon Leon, just as thos who rescued him from the rubble which claimed his wife, 8 children and his legs in what should have been a maternity ward that I was involved in trying to help amidst the earthquake of 2010. I didn't plan on meeting him. I guess I didn't plan on seeing a girl dying when I was there that was crippled by disability and left to die by a doctor who couldn't help her yet desperately wanted to help.
Seeing Leon and Josue's determination and desire to be more at the centre of those pages inspired me. I will cheer them on over these days and salute all who compete amongst incredible adversity in the Paralympics. Every athlete has a story and loving how these games celebrates each of them and allows these to be taken back to their communities to inspire and bring hope.
Here's the moment when we got to meet some of them.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Struggle for Survival
I've been to 3 slums. I'm no expert on slums.
One of my fondest times was sitting with Parwyn and his family of 8 siblings and mum as he proudly took me into his home. His older sister enjoyed telling me how they often fight due to being so close to each other and wisely ended "if we do not fight it means we do not love each other" with a lovely smile as she glanced over to cheeky Parwyn.
He said to me he wants to grow up and help his neighbourhood.
The lady who brought us here, ran a school and she said Parwyn was one of the gifted boys in this area.
I often wonder about Parwyn and how he is doing.
This week we were involved in turning Chancery Lane into a slum and inviting Londoners to step out of their world and step in to the proverbial shoes of those who live daily in the slums.
This was only a simulation that we were involved in and merely a way to educate, forge deep empathy and to empower people to engage with such issues using their influence and abilities.
One of my fondest times was sitting with Parwyn and his family of 8 siblings and mum as he proudly took me into his home. His older sister enjoyed telling me how they often fight due to being so close to each other and wisely ended "if we do not fight it means we do not love each other" with a lovely smile as she glanced over to cheeky Parwyn.
He said to me he wants to grow up and help his neighbourhood.
The lady who brought us here, ran a school and she said Parwyn was one of the gifted boys in this area.
I often wonder about Parwyn and how he is doing.
This week we were involved in turning Chancery Lane into a slum and inviting Londoners to step out of their world and step in to the proverbial shoes of those who live daily in the slums.
This was only a simulation that we were involved in and merely a way to educate, forge deep empathy and to empower people to engage with such issues using their influence and abilities.
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
0202
2 minutes past 2 in the morning watching a drama about hospitals whilst sitting in a hospital.
Oramorph I think she just gave me for my pain. I rang a bell she came and I asked whether I may have some pain relief and she asked me what would I like. I went strong. "Oramorph" was what I heard.
A few years ago I heard in Uganda the best pain relief they offer is paracetamol and that was an "end of life" specialist.
The drama I'm watching is about Dr Guttmann and his methods of cure for spinal cord rehab that turned into the modern Paralympic movement.
Whilst I'm turning to drugs and clearly they have a role the drama is pointing to the heart and attitude of healing.
Here I am in the house of healing and taking drugs. Tomorrow the care ends from this house but the healing goes on in my will.
Whilst dealing with the Haiti Dream we saw two things- one rehab and the important role of rehabilitation of moving from care to taking care oneself... The second was excellence and achievement. The second was identifying those super abilities unlocked through a bed of belief, hope, opportunity and support & training.
We all know this to be the case, but what holds us back from this? Is it dependence, lack of opportunity and belief, set backs, knocks, fear and disappointment. Well the answer is all of these. As for the solution... Well can't speak for all but for me it's inspiration. Those who have gone before who take time to help us catch up, walk with us, listen and encourage.
I know no one can make my decisions or not do what I have to do. That is mine. I wish it wasn't but this is my lot... My gift and my chance to seize it.
0220 and waiting for the drugs to kick in. Tomorrow's a new day and hopefully I head home. Thanks for the care and time to meditate to this house. Grateful for it, the staff and the time.
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Oramorph I think she just gave me for my pain. I rang a bell she came and I asked whether I may have some pain relief and she asked me what would I like. I went strong. "Oramorph" was what I heard.
A few years ago I heard in Uganda the best pain relief they offer is paracetamol and that was an "end of life" specialist.
The drama I'm watching is about Dr Guttmann and his methods of cure for spinal cord rehab that turned into the modern Paralympic movement.
Whilst I'm turning to drugs and clearly they have a role the drama is pointing to the heart and attitude of healing.
Here I am in the house of healing and taking drugs. Tomorrow the care ends from this house but the healing goes on in my will.
Whilst dealing with the Haiti Dream we saw two things- one rehab and the important role of rehabilitation of moving from care to taking care oneself... The second was excellence and achievement. The second was identifying those super abilities unlocked through a bed of belief, hope, opportunity and support & training.
We all know this to be the case, but what holds us back from this? Is it dependence, lack of opportunity and belief, set backs, knocks, fear and disappointment. Well the answer is all of these. As for the solution... Well can't speak for all but for me it's inspiration. Those who have gone before who take time to help us catch up, walk with us, listen and encourage.
I know no one can make my decisions or not do what I have to do. That is mine. I wish it wasn't but this is my lot... My gift and my chance to seize it.
0220 and waiting for the drugs to kick in. Tomorrow's a new day and hopefully I head home. Thanks for the care and time to meditate to this house. Grateful for it, the staff and the time.
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Two years in pt 2
...
Woke up from restless sleep.
First in line for the theatre
Told family I loved them
Taken to operating theatre
Met surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses
Went out in 10,9,....
Woke up 2 hours later with a dull ache
Wife walks in and tells me she loves me
Wiped out and fell asleep
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Woke up from restless sleep.
First in line for the theatre
Told family I loved them
Taken to operating theatre
Met surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses
Went out in 10,9,....
Woke up 2 hours later with a dull ache
Wife walks in and tells me she loves me
Wiped out and fell asleep
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Monday, 20 August 2012
Two years ago
I'm in hospital. I was admitted 12 hours ago. I had a football accident last week. Came in to A&E. Was given some crutches and told to keep the weight of it and come back on Monday.
It's Monday. I came back for a 10.30 appointment and it's now 23.10 and I'm still here.
Turns out I need surgery. Was given 20 mins to make the decision to go under. It's a big week for me on many fronts. The Paralympics and the Haiti Dream, the Struggle for Survival simulations, the meetings, the people, the team. Couldn't have happened at a worse time.
Here I am in in hospital. An amazing hospital- more like a hotel. I have my own room. My lap top. People coming in checking in. A quick turn around from diagnosis to operation. Amazing. Truly is.
Then whilst looking at photos I realised that exactly 2 years ago I was in hospital. On a visit that changed me. I had just arrived in Cap Haitien in Haiti. To be honest I was a little delicate from the night before of partying at an election event in Port au Prince that we were invited to. We arrived in a dinky jet.
Our host immediately said it would be a good day as he hoped to clear 3 containers of aid that we had played a part in getting there of hospital aid, food and community assistance. They'd been there for around 3 months should have got through a lot earlier.
As our escort made a series of calls we ended up in a hospital. We were visiting a girl who was part of their programme. She had a seizure during the night. She was admitted. We eventually entered the paediatric ward and hovered over a bed with a young girl (18 months) with just her chest going up and down. She clung to what life she had. The doctor strolled over and said thy wait. They can't intervene as they don't have the resources. They have the skills but not the tools. He said this as he went to the alcohol pump dispenser. It was empty. It had been for the better part of the year. The incubators in the ward were just shells. The "dirty" electricity blew the circuits. All this as this girl's life was only enhanced by a bed. All of us were just spectators for her desperation to hold herself alive. We left.
Over the coming hours were truly unbelievable. We were in the customs. Wrestling with them. Each container should take hours to clear. We had 45 minutes left for their openning times. One had just got out and two were left. The lady went and fought hard and then harder. I just watched and waited. The afternoon heat was fading. Not by a lot but no way as hot as hours before.
We waited.
With every minute being precious the 2 final containers were released with minutes to go and we all stood amazed at the victory.
We followed them back. I sat in the back of van with a degree of a triumphant feeling.
As the stuff came out the first item we saw were incubators. New ones. Clean ones. What a sight they were. A real sign of hope. What a day it was.
When the doctor came in the morning to inspect the equipment his eyes were a lit up and excited. Our man said he'd never seen him so happy. We quietly acknowledged this victory as we started the walk through. I asked about the girl we saw yesterday. She didn't make it through the evening.
It hit me right there. Here we were celebrating the success of these resources and goods but really the tools to save. And yet one slipped through. I was devastated. That day haunted me and I swore I would remember her. I looked around and saw the hospital and all it's people seeing this new equipment and on the new site that was being developed as the new maternity ward.
Two years ago I was at a different hospital, with different doctors. We managed to help others from that place including a person who went on to represent his country at one of the Paralympic qualifying events and other still to carry that idea of hope.
Two years ago I was in a hospital and today two years later I'm in hospital myself facing a simple procedure.
I remember that girl and wish she could be here today.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
It's Monday. I came back for a 10.30 appointment and it's now 23.10 and I'm still here.
Turns out I need surgery. Was given 20 mins to make the decision to go under. It's a big week for me on many fronts. The Paralympics and the Haiti Dream, the Struggle for Survival simulations, the meetings, the people, the team. Couldn't have happened at a worse time.
Here I am in in hospital. An amazing hospital- more like a hotel. I have my own room. My lap top. People coming in checking in. A quick turn around from diagnosis to operation. Amazing. Truly is.
Then whilst looking at photos I realised that exactly 2 years ago I was in hospital. On a visit that changed me. I had just arrived in Cap Haitien in Haiti. To be honest I was a little delicate from the night before of partying at an election event in Port au Prince that we were invited to. We arrived in a dinky jet.
Our host immediately said it would be a good day as he hoped to clear 3 containers of aid that we had played a part in getting there of hospital aid, food and community assistance. They'd been there for around 3 months should have got through a lot earlier.
As our escort made a series of calls we ended up in a hospital. We were visiting a girl who was part of their programme. She had a seizure during the night. She was admitted. We eventually entered the paediatric ward and hovered over a bed with a young girl (18 months) with just her chest going up and down. She clung to what life she had. The doctor strolled over and said thy wait. They can't intervene as they don't have the resources. They have the skills but not the tools. He said this as he went to the alcohol pump dispenser. It was empty. It had been for the better part of the year. The incubators in the ward were just shells. The "dirty" electricity blew the circuits. All this as this girl's life was only enhanced by a bed. All of us were just spectators for her desperation to hold herself alive. We left.
Over the coming hours were truly unbelievable. We were in the customs. Wrestling with them. Each container should take hours to clear. We had 45 minutes left for their openning times. One had just got out and two were left. The lady went and fought hard and then harder. I just watched and waited. The afternoon heat was fading. Not by a lot but no way as hot as hours before.
We waited.
With every minute being precious the 2 final containers were released with minutes to go and we all stood amazed at the victory.
We followed them back. I sat in the back of van with a degree of a triumphant feeling.
As the stuff came out the first item we saw were incubators. New ones. Clean ones. What a sight they were. A real sign of hope. What a day it was.
When the doctor came in the morning to inspect the equipment his eyes were a lit up and excited. Our man said he'd never seen him so happy. We quietly acknowledged this victory as we started the walk through. I asked about the girl we saw yesterday. She didn't make it through the evening.
It hit me right there. Here we were celebrating the success of these resources and goods but really the tools to save. And yet one slipped through. I was devastated. That day haunted me and I swore I would remember her. I looked around and saw the hospital and all it's people seeing this new equipment and on the new site that was being developed as the new maternity ward.
Two years ago I was at a different hospital, with different doctors. We managed to help others from that place including a person who went on to represent his country at one of the Paralympic qualifying events and other still to carry that idea of hope.
Two years ago I was in a hospital and today two years later I'm in hospital myself facing a simple procedure.
I remember that girl and wish she could be here today.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, 13 August 2012
Haiti Paralympians and Olympians together
This was a day that I dreamed about last year.
Today I was able to meet the Paralympic teams of Haiti. To top it off two of the Haitian Olympians came to party with us.
With the Paralympics a few weeks away I'm now getting super excited.
Spoke to Samir Layne (11th in the world at triple jump) about taking sports around Haiti and what sports means in schools. It's not a usual conversation that I have but one which I felt honoured to have.
The games provide a huge platform for so much more. What a joy to be amongst Dreamers.
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Today I was able to meet the Paralympic teams of Haiti. To top it off two of the Haitian Olympians came to party with us.
With the Paralympics a few weeks away I'm now getting super excited.
Spoke to Samir Layne (11th in the world at triple jump) about taking sports around Haiti and what sports means in schools. It's not a usual conversation that I have but one which I felt honoured to have.
The games provide a huge platform for so much more. What a joy to be amongst Dreamers.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Embankment Pl,London,United Kingdom
Thursday, 9 August 2012
Friday, 3 August 2012
Sitting by the log fire
Just finished a BBQ sitting in front of our roaring log fire enjoying its heat. Heading home tomorrow evening.
Had a great break despite the weather.
I'm sure in a few days time this like every other holiday will seem like a distant memory. But for these few hours, they're are bliss. Very grateful for times such as these.
Happy memories.
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Had a great break despite the weather.
I'm sure in a few days time this like every other holiday will seem like a distant memory. But for these few hours, they're are bliss. Very grateful for times such as these.
Happy memories.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Sarnau
Socs vs Greasers
... there was a basic sameness. I thought it was money that separated us.
"No" Cherry said slowly when I said this. "It's not just money. Part of it is, but not all. You greasers have a different set of values. You're more emotional. We're sophisticated- cool to the point of not feeling anything. Nothing is for real with us.
...
"Rat race is a perfect name for it" she said. "We're always going and going and going, and never asking where. Did you ever hear of having more than you wanted? So that you couldn't want anything else and then started looking for something else to want? It seems like we're always searching for something to satisfy us, and never finding it. Maybe if we could lose our cool we could."
....
"That's why we're separated," I said. It's not the money, it's the feeling- you don't feel anything and we feel too violently."
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"No" Cherry said slowly when I said this. "It's not just money. Part of it is, but not all. You greasers have a different set of values. You're more emotional. We're sophisticated- cool to the point of not feeling anything. Nothing is for real with us.
...
"Rat race is a perfect name for it" she said. "We're always going and going and going, and never asking where. Did you ever hear of having more than you wanted? So that you couldn't want anything else and then started looking for something else to want? It seems like we're always searching for something to satisfy us, and never finding it. Maybe if we could lose our cool we could."
....
"That's why we're separated," I said. It's not the money, it's the feeling- you don't feel anything and we feel too violently."
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Location:Tanygroes
More photos from the beaches of Wales
It was rainy. The sun behind clouds.
But the beach was still heaps of fun.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
But the beach was still heaps of fun.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Sarnau
Some holiday portraits from penbryn
Holidays are fairly essential I'm learning. Time away from routines. Time with each other. Time just on some more fun stuff. With each holiday the one thing that marks it is the time. It's such a wonderful thing. Was able to capture a few moments on film.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Penbryn
Incommunicado
Lost my phone.
It's a smart phone. I use it for email, Internet, checking facts, games, blogging, taking photos, keeping notes, listening to music, finding my way around. And for phone calls.
It's become part of my close accessories. A convenience that I rely upon. I need three things as I leave the house: keys, wallet and phone.
The other thing it has done is invade my life. Whilst I love it. I've now lost some basic habits. Relaxing, doing nothing, sitting still, enjoying DVDs. Things that involve me switching off are now shortened by filling that time with an "activity".
I am now without this as I'm on holiday. Still an inconvenience but happy to drop out of these for a short moment.
Also does an iPad count as I'm still able to blog.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
It's a smart phone. I use it for email, Internet, checking facts, games, blogging, taking photos, keeping notes, listening to music, finding my way around. And for phone calls.
It's become part of my close accessories. A convenience that I rely upon. I need three things as I leave the house: keys, wallet and phone.
The other thing it has done is invade my life. Whilst I love it. I've now lost some basic habits. Relaxing, doing nothing, sitting still, enjoying DVDs. Things that involve me switching off are now shortened by filling that time with an "activity".
I am now without this as I'm on holiday. Still an inconvenience but happy to drop out of these for a short moment.
Also does an iPad count as I'm still able to blog.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Tan-y-gros
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
A day in Camber
Spent the day at the beach today on probably the hottest day of the year. Even the water was hot. Only felt the sea being warm one other time and I was in the Caribbean then.
Simply a great way to watch the world go by especially as the tide chases you in we must have moved our little base back 5 times.
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Simply a great way to watch the world go by especially as the tide chases you in we must have moved our little base back 5 times.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Camber Sands
Sunday, 22 July 2012
Wonderful Wedding
One of Angie's oldest friend's yesterday married.
Had a fabulous time. Everyone contributed. The bunting were from the mother's sewing community. The brother's had set up the sound system . A team of friends had a work party making the village hall pretty. The evening curry was cooked on a barbecue by friends. The feast was all provided by the guests. Everything was shared and the whole day was full of welcome, joy and fun.
Perfect.
Had a fabulous time. Everyone contributed. The bunting were from the mother's sewing community. The brother's had set up the sound system . A team of friends had a work party making the village hall pretty. The evening curry was cooked on a barbecue by friends. The feast was all provided by the guests. Everything was shared and the whole day was full of welcome, joy and fun.
Perfect.
Saturday, 21 July 2012
Play School: Beginnings and Ends
Today I walked Joshie for the last ever time to his Play School.
Our usual routine consists of him being "Torta Knight" and me his faithful friend "Nimbo" trying to get across lava pits, even surf on it with our lava boots. Fly on giant Eagles. Escape dragons. It is one my favourite times of the week.
So here he is when he started back in September 2010:
And then today walking in for his final party before reception in bigger school.
Thank you Play School for the 2 great years.
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
The Olympic Torch travels through Tunny wells
We took Caleb out of school today to let him see a "once in a lifetime" chance to see the Olympic Torch as it travelled through Tunbridge Wells.
It was great to be partying out in the streets. A great atmosphere indeed.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
It was great to be partying out in the streets. A great atmosphere indeed.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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