Bringing back the Normality !!!

It's always a challenge maintaining a smooth easy ride as a tetra and the gang. The gang are probably the most important factor of my life in ensuring an easiest possible lifestyle with the everyday living that I deal with. It's not easy having to manage four people and their various attributes that maintain a free flowing cog on the gearbox system of making my life as pleasurable as possible ! I am so lucky to have been awarded one of the highest level of care package, whereby I have a 24/7 live in as well as a daily double up to help - enabling me freedom of independence. Forever greatful, but you gotta understand that having these people around you all the time can be somewhat frustrating !! I long for, and do create the odd opportunity to just spend half an hour on my own, devoid of constant monitoring, bag checking, blood pressure monitoring etc etc etc - Again, just saying, not complaining  .

So after my last blog about the resignations, moving on's, etc etc...... I was gutted to lose the stalwart , Eugene ! Very sad to see Andrea going forward to better his CV, but knowing full well that I could manage the process !. Suddenly the dark cloud of millitantness evoporated, the atmosphere changed at no 9. The PA's all smiling and happy, the air cleared and I realised that all things are for a reason, again, and often one is to self absorbed to see the woods for the trees !!! As much as I was devestated to see Eugene leave, I was freed of the hidden demons that he so controlled over the space and people who look after me. Thank you universe for releasing me of that !


So with what was a " stand in " carer, Michal, pronounced as Mishcal, and to begin with wouldn't have lasted a week, began a bond of care and a humerous nurturing I would not have believed initially. He is a total tree huger, loves to venture off on his off time to forests around the world and hike. Canada, Nepal, Asia, you name it....... He has been, done and looking for the next " out back " to explore ! Eugene having upped and left with basically no notice, saw Mishcal thrown into the deep end, but coped remarkably well !! He is Czeck - looking for an assignment of two weeks on and twoweeks off - not an easy ask !


I in the meantime had spoken to one of the carers that was on my skiing trip, who was interested in the same shift arrangement , and happened to be Czech as well. NIKE, came to mind ! Make it happen. I did, and Martin joins the gang as of next week - all sorted, relaxed and I couldn't be happier !!! Martin, now affectionately known as Martini !!

Mishcal accidentally mentioned that in his language, Mischki meant " small mouse " a term of endearment only his parents would use !! Big mistake!!! He is nearly 7ft tall, and known only as Mischki now !!. He has a fantastic sence of humour, and the other morning whilst doing my FES , and waiting for Gravity to release me of some " extra weight ", nothing was happening. As he was replacing the electronic pads, I said to him " Mischki, I think it's gonna have to be your Gold finger " that gets things going !! And I told him about Shirley Bassey's song and the 007 movie.

Blow me down if he doesn't google it on you tube, and now we have SB serenading us in the completion of bowel care !!!! I kid you not ! All of us now know the lyrics and it works !!!!

So with the two live in's now in place, Andrea leaving, there was only one slot to fill - a Mon - Fri double up. Without going into too much detai at the moment, and going against all my previous desires, I recruited a girl to replace Andrea. She is funky, new wave, on the ball and someone I so look forward to joining our team !!! She will start in May ! Be my left and right hand side and will bring a sence of stability to the team. Until such time as her present employer knows of her intentions to leave, and respecting that, suffice to say....... I'm all sorted and will post pics of the new gang shortly.

Good Ol' Meezie, my Saturday and Sunday double up, can't keep up with the pace !! He drove us in Diana to the countryside to visit Stu and ML, who have relocated to the uk. If he is not trolling me around Trafalgar Square , leister Square, China town or Soho, he is commissioned to get us wherever that weekend demands ! Thankfully, he ain't going anywhere, and one of my intentions is to get to SA  this year as part of my bucket list - he would be my first choice to accompany me as he is the best " rule breaker " and willing to put up with my fight to find these legs again.

I have been asked by a number of people now, about my life prior to injury and post injury, about my upbringing, schooling, siblings, etc etc etc. perhaps a subject that I have ( for the meantime ) blotted out of my mind. But, it's definitely needs to be addressed in my going forward with ongoing recovery !! Yes, there is perhaps a lot of hidden baggage, yes I come from a large family and YES, I am the only one in a wheelchair in my family.

But, the understanding and acceptance has been overwhelming ! You gotta understand that ones lot is dealt, play your cards and be accepting of your fate !! Hard ! Hard ! Hard ! But easily achieved !!! So, my next blog will incorporate my life from 0 - 50, abled bodied, care free existence and having the world at one's fingertips !! Then a small hiccup of having that taken away from you and realising just how fortunate one is with life itself !!! Some make it, some fake it, and many, many don't make it !!!

This blog is dedicated to Jannie - RIP - sad news, but at peace.

Sent to you all with love and ongoing good health wishes !!! Keep trying, keep fighting for your aspirations and keep smiling !!!

G. Xx