Tuesday/ Wednesday

My favourite aunty, Helen, decided to invade the southern general with me today! Wicker basket full to the brim, we headed west. She took up prime position in the day room, settled in with a caffe latte and a highly calorific bun, brought by me. She took in the scene!

People that know our family say we are quite alike. Quirky, gregarious, mad as hatters. We will talk to absolutely anyone and everyone. I, of course, cannot see this as I am very quiet and demure! So I left her to it and headed into see Colin.

On my return she was deep in conversation with half the visitors and "inmates" of the spinal unit. She had a marvellous time and is very much looking forward to her next visit.

She also managed to see Colin. Oh yes that is why we were there. Helen chatted and laughed and Colin loved it. A visitor that brought him gossip and fun. At end of time we headed east. helen was full of "how good Colin looked" and "how well he seemed, so much better than she had dared to hope." Nice to hear I must say, but yes, he seem to have definitely turned a corner.

Wednesday

Wicker basket and I arrived to find Colin smiling. the last two days he had managed to charm his way into some kind soul making him toast! Up until that point he was meant to be on mush. But he was now officially allowed real food! The sky is the limit. However steak was to be put on hold while we make our way through the Southern's menu sheet.

Colin always thinks we have mental powers between us (or did, he just says I was mental, hmmm) anway I had been to Marks and Sparks and have brought a "obviously" home made pasta salad. Well, its as good as home made- move on. It was the best thing he had ever tasted, bless.

Great excitement. Andrew Knowles Brown arrived. One of Colin's falconry friends. Known him for years and the organiser of many fine weekends hunts away. I left them too it for man chat! Colin was animated when he left, so good for him to be taken out of his comfort zone, and we are very thankful for Andrews visit.

He also brought a beautiful picture of Colin and his bird, (a hawk, you fools! remember that I am the centre of his universe!)

We oohed and ahhhed at it. Then I said "how do you feel? Are you bitter at the thought of maybe never getting into the field again?"

He said "no, I'm not bitter. I'm glad I had that life. I'm glad that we did all those thing. I regret nothing. Our life will be different. But we have our girls. I'll go back to work (this was news to me, but if Colin says he will do it, he will). Things won't be easy, but whoever said life was easy?"

Well without getting too mushy, my heart nearly burst with pride. "my" Colin is still there and with every day he come out stronger. Ok, his legs and arms don't work, but nothing will stop Colin fight for his life and family. Times like this remind me of why I fell in love with him in the first place.