Naturally, we are bound to have ups and downs. Sometimes the downs are a bit too down though, so we are thrilled when our friends and family cheer us up.
Yesterday, we hopped in the car and toddled back to Warwick Hospital for John to have a second infusion of iron to combat the anaemia that was discovered when he was in hospital. “You’ll probably feel the benefit in about a week,” explained the nurse. Well, that would be good. I’m pretty sure that John’s anxiety and low mood will be improved if he has a proper blood supply.
As we pulled onto the drive after the treatment, we were delighted to see eldest son sitting in his car waiting for us. “I was about to phone you to find out where you were,” he grinned. “Ah… well, we’re here now!” I grinned back. It was lovely to see him, although he couldn’t stay long. He just had enough time to tell us all about the experience he and Harriet had had at the restaurant Andrew is working at, Ynyshir. They had thoroughly enjoyed it. “Is it the best restaurant that Andrew has worked at, do you think?” I asked. “Yes!” came the emphatic answer.
While Paul was with us, George and Sue arrived for the afternoon. They had come to help with the Lotus again. George had mended some gubbins or other and was keen to fit it. Pete Cross had also mended a different gubbins during the week and was keen to see if his handiwork had done the trick, so he came round as well. Made me giggle, seeing Pete and George with their heads together in the car, while John acted as foreman and Sue acted as foreman’s mate. I abandoned them all to the work and went off for massage.
I think the various gubbins on the car still need a bit of work, so we might have to invite George and Sue (and Pete) round again – which will suit us down to the ground. They are great company.
In between times, the doctor phoned to discuss the situation with John’s toe. “I’ll come and have a look,” he said. He came and had a look and promptly said, “Antibiotics,” and whizzed off again. More pills to make John rattle some more. He hardly needs breakfast, lunch or dinner – he’s full of tablets by the time those meals are served!
Anyway, after our guests had left, we went tired and we had an early night – not least because we were looking forward to Skype session with Graham and Gail this morning. “How about 9 a.m. your time, 7 a.m. ours?” Gail asked. Eeek…. just a tad early for us. Although we can get a wriggle on – for example, if we’ve to be at the hospital early, but generally, we’d rather not rush in the morning. There’s such a lot do before we get downstairs……
We had a lovely chat to G & G – it was nice to have a catch up – but John was tired, so we only chatted for just over an hour before we said our goodbyes. John was so tired, in fact, that he spent a good part of the day dozing. We put the rugby on this afternoon, but much of it went unwatched.
While John was snoozing, I took advantage of the lovely warm weather to mow the lawn. Our milkman, Steve, who normally does the lawns, is unwell at the moment and so we are left to our own devices until he’s better. “Can I borrow your lawn mower, please, Michael?” I pleaded. “Yup, of course!” Danielle dropped it round to ours this morning, so I was set up.
It’s not quite finished and it’s a bit ragged, but I was chuffed to have got the wilderness tamed. I’ll have another go tomorrow at the bits I missed! But just look at that sunshine!!
John also decided to take advantage of the lovely warm weather and, once he’d woken up, came outside with his new four-wheeled walking aid, sat upon its little seat, and started to hoe away some of the weeds nestling in between the pavers on the patio. I had my back to him when I heard a bit of a yell and a thump. I turned round to find him in a heap on the floor. He’d forgotten to put the brakes on, and the walker had slid away from him as he leaned just a bit too far forward.
Fortunately, he was OK and was able to get back up again with a bit of help and go back into the house to lick his wounds. It was upsetting though. These are the downs that impact on John’s mood. He feels helpless and hopeless and absolutely hates having to ask us all for help to do the jobs that he so easily did before he was unwell.
The rest of the day wasn’t the best. England took it to the wire in their rugby match and they played poorly, which didn’t help lift John up. We had no plans to see the kids this weekend as they are all busy with one thing and another, so he found that upsetting. And, to be honest, I am not sure I am always the best company for him – I mean, I was contentedly watching Strictly…..
“I’m going to bed,” John announced, just after nine o’clock. We started the bedtime routine and then I heard my phone ringing. I hoofed it downstairs to grab my phone – and it was Michael, phoning to see how we were. Well, what a boost for John that was. Although John still felt blue, he felt a slightly lighter shade of blue as he got into bed. Hurrah for those wonderful, unexpected moments of togetherness and beautiful love.
Here’s hoping that tomorrow brings a better mood – the weather might help, it’s supposed to be nice again!
Take care everyone. God bless.