What was I doing ten years ago - 1998
10 years ago I was trying to come to terms with what had happened to my life. Tom had been in rehab. for 8 months following a catastrophic brain injury that had left him profoundly disabled the previous June. He was at The Children's Trust in Surrey, miles away from me at home and I was trying to juggle being with him and looking after No2, who was 20 months old. And being a wife. That bit got lost and their Dad and I separated 10 years ago this month too. I was living out of a bag, often in nurses accommodation and spending huge amounts of time on the M25. No2 was being hoicked around from pillar to post to whoever could look after him while I spent what days I could learning how to look after my child. Tom's medical needs were high and I was taught how to care for him again by a team of people to whom I will be forever grateful. I could reel off a list of Tom's 'problems' but maybe a meme isn't the right place. Tom remained in rehab. for 18 months, having been in hospital for 2 years altogether, before he came home again.
- Photograph my irises before they get ruined in this continual rain...
- Make a banana cake with the brown bananas lurking in my fridge (I know, I know, you shouldn't keep bananas in the fridge...)
- Get the ironing board out
- Take No2 to the dentist
- Finish hand-sewing the binding on Urban Garden Quilt
Snacks I enjoy
- Green and Black's Maya Gold...may have mentioned this before.
- Caramel flavour Snack-a-Jacks
- Maoam stripes (is that how you spell it?)
- Dried apricots (but have to be M&S's, they're nice and squidgy)
Sorry, ladies! Only if you fancy it!
Oh Tracy. I know I've said it before, but you're so brave to write this.
ReplyDeleteIf I could get that hot tub for you, I would!
Ten years ago was an incredibly significant time in your life.
ReplyDeleteHow very sad. I hope that you have many good times to come. I also like Maya Gold chocolate and the other snacks on your list. I am just about to slice up a mars bar from the fridge. I don't even like mars bars but I feel damp and miserable and NEED chocolate! I am sending you a big hug and I am not even a huggy type! x
ReplyDeleteFun to read your list...Happy Day ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteTracy, it didn't make for depressing reading at all, it helped me know you better. If I had your address the Maya would be in the post.x
ReplyDeleteWhat a road you've travelled.
ReplyDeleteI am putting my thinking cap on.
I agree - not depressing at all - all the answers go to further deepening my impression of you as a brave and deeply caring person.
ReplyDeleteWho loves chocolate.
What a long and difficult road to travel. I suppose that if you look back you wonder how you did it - and the answer is... a step at a time. Which shows you how far you can get just putting one foot in front of the other.
ReplyDeleteI just have to say you are so amazing. K x
ReplyDeleteso brave, so honest..
ReplyDeleteYou mustn't apologise Tracy - I can only speak for myself, but it's nothing other than a privilege to read your blog and your writing - whether it's about Tom, or other 'stuff'.
ReplyDeleteTake care. x
Definitely a brave and very, very moving piece of writing. It's a very warming thought that you were able to share this with us - it must be a sign that you know you're amongst friends here. Thanks for the tag - I fancy giving it a go and will get pondering.
ReplyDeleteBrutally honest. I can't imagine. It must have taken a deep inner strength to get through that.
ReplyDeleteNot depressing-inspiring.You must be a strong soul.And worshipper of the chocolate god which I (having just consumed almost an entire packet of chocolate coated digestives)completely sympathise with. : )
ReplyDeletelovely to know you a little better x
ReplyDeletet x
I like the Tom posts a great deal - its good to get to know you, and him, a little better each time.
ReplyDeleteAnd alpacas keep away foxes?? I need to get me some of those!
N. xx
I'm really full of admiration for you Tracey in so many ways. Hope blogging about Tom and your life helps in some way.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm with you on the G&B!
Stephx