As I sit looking at my amazing hanging garden of herbs and Cyclamins, gathering energy from the colour and the fact that we are able to cook with fresh herbs, sipping on a well brood cuppa coffee, makes me wonder just how lucky I am !! Yes, the Maples that block out the view of the rail track are fast dropping their leaves, and daily the track seems to get closer and the train noise seems louder ! It gives a new perspective on the movie " Train Spotting " - a movie that if I remember back, I think Ewan Mc Greggor starred in. Rather than take the heroine route, I take solace for having watched these trees change in colour from their emerald greens through their lovely oranges and browns as they to prepare for the winter that has come around too soon !
Even the warehouses, so neatly placed under the arches of the train track seem to loom closer and closer - again, rather than complain, I am looking at it and thinking how lucky I am to be surrounded by life on the outside - there is life to be embraced out there rather than become reclusive !!. I can proudly say that I no longer have that fear of the intimidation originally felt on leaving Stanmoe.
A big thanks to Cyril, who had no "fear" of challenging any route through the streets of London. His patience far out weighed mine, and from that I learned how to simply laugh at the small hurdles that can actually become major issues to a chair user - Again, breaking all the rules so inherently drummed into us at Alcatraz. Thanks C. For the laughs, pain-staking routes of the underground, to the reorganising of restuarants seating arrangements in order to accomadate my 4 x 4 !
One huge realisation came in the form of being the Center of abuse from a drag queen show at the infamous Molly Moggs ! The people were not laughing at me, but rather laughing with me. An attitude once adopted, eases the self consciousness and rather boosts one confidence. I now no longer apologise for people having to move on trains and busses etc etc, but rather believe in my mind that I have just as much right as them - it's just that I take a little more space !
We had booked a lunch venue at one of Jamie Oliver's restuarants in Piccadilly - none of us enquiring as to accessibility !!! Something that should now become as a matter of course for myself. Bang !, we arrive and.............Five steps up !!. Initially note to self was to castigate JO, but the helpful staff re-directed us a mere 100 meters around the corner to Jamie Oliver's Italian - no steps, lift to the first floor, unbelievable staff and an amazing lunch - a must do !
I cannot praise the " Next " stores on Oxford Street - jam packed with merchandise and absolutely no consideration for chair users. Rather indignant staff to boot ! I will never support them again and I encourage people in the same condition to do the same.
My local pub is called " The Gregorian ". A Tudor styled building, quite inviting, but bloody depressing on the inside ! Typical English pub, probably has not been decorated since it opened, but has a ramp and the most obliging people to help with opening and holding doors open for me to get in. I might be being a little harsh on the place, but the beer is always cold, and the wine is NOT out of a box !
Separating my block and The Greg, is The St James church. Sunday's are supposed to be sleep in days ! OH NO..........the bells start at 7 and stop at around 12 !!!!. So the choices I have are - Trains, Warehousing , or Bells ! Gotta be thankful for any choices - that's London living !
So as I ease into my second year of recovery, I have loads to be thankful for :
I have my head - no grey matter affected ! So I can communicat.
I have my eyes - so I can see - visualise.
My speech is perfect - again I can communicate
I have feeling on my right hand side ! - and my right hand is functioning - therefore I can type.
My right leg is semi- functional - trying hard for the left leg to accept signals from the brain !
And there is a glimmer of hope for my left arm ! - some hope is better than no hope !
In going forward with this renewed enthusiasm to find my legs again, I urge you all to take a minute or two to appreciate what life has given us. Mend bridges keep moving forward - don't let the shadows overtake you.
As always, posted with love, and on-going health !!!
G
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