At the Salmon Run, Goldstream Park
Granville Island, Vancouver
View from Sharron's deck, Whiskey Point, B.C.
Whistler, B.C.Well, as evidenced by the pictures, I had the most glorious week enjoying the spectacular fall in B.C. It was great to stay close to home - and such a delight to house sit for Sharron, she has a lovely place right on the ocean just north of Mill Bay. It has not been since my days in Lillooet that I managed to keep a woodstove lit and going! A highlight was Halloween night in Whistler - the drive up was amazing as it was clear and the scenery at this time of the year is so beautiful. Prices are very good too, as it's shoulder season there. Next time it will be for two nights, not one. It was an absolute treat not to be disturbed with wet nappies through the night and not to be responsible for anyone.
Ron settled in pretty well at the Chemainus centre. The staff are very attentive and kind there, and were particularly accommodating letting him hang out in the nurses station, and at my suggestion, putting a Dr Ron label up on his door. It is very affirming for him to be called Doctor. There were times of sadness for him- but that happens a lot at home too, and a couple of incidents of him escaping out the door- merely walking out with other visitors, - easy to do as he doesn't look like the typical resident. They switched to keeping him in the gently named "Garden View Area" ( lockup!) in the afternoons, to keep him safe. It was good that I'd made arrangements for him to have long outings every day. I was surprised to hear from the nurse leader yesterday at my de-brief, that he is really high needs, and that, should Ron be placed there permanently, she would definitely be applying for extra funding for one-on-one help for him. She said to me she had no idea how I managed him at home. Funnily, this was re-assuring to me that I have made the right move placing him on the list for residential care. But still totally not ready to have that happen!
The way the respite timing works, he's back there in a couple of weeks, this time for two weeks. My generous auntie and uncle from California are paying for me to join their family in NYC for the American Thanksgiving celebrations. I am so looking forward to seeing them, and having a few full days at the Met- evidently there is an amazing new wing for the Islamic collection. I will fit in some docent tours, which I always enjoy. They have also booked some shows which will be a treat.
There is so much in my life to be joyful about and thankful for. Thanks especially to all of you who love me and support me in so many different ways on this journey. I could never manage without you.
Ron settled in pretty well at the Chemainus centre. The staff are very attentive and kind there, and were particularly accommodating letting him hang out in the nurses station, and at my suggestion, putting a Dr Ron label up on his door. It is very affirming for him to be called Doctor. There were times of sadness for him- but that happens a lot at home too, and a couple of incidents of him escaping out the door- merely walking out with other visitors, - easy to do as he doesn't look like the typical resident. They switched to keeping him in the gently named "Garden View Area" ( lockup!) in the afternoons, to keep him safe. It was good that I'd made arrangements for him to have long outings every day. I was surprised to hear from the nurse leader yesterday at my de-brief, that he is really high needs, and that, should Ron be placed there permanently, she would definitely be applying for extra funding for one-on-one help for him. She said to me she had no idea how I managed him at home. Funnily, this was re-assuring to me that I have made the right move placing him on the list for residential care. But still totally not ready to have that happen!
The way the respite timing works, he's back there in a couple of weeks, this time for two weeks. My generous auntie and uncle from California are paying for me to join their family in NYC for the American Thanksgiving celebrations. I am so looking forward to seeing them, and having a few full days at the Met- evidently there is an amazing new wing for the Islamic collection. I will fit in some docent tours, which I always enjoy. They have also booked some shows which will be a treat.
There is so much in my life to be joyful about and thankful for. Thanks especially to all of you who love me and support me in so many different ways on this journey. I could never manage without you.
I totally love the photographs of you. It is so nice to see you smile.
ReplyDeleteMichael