Back in the 1970’s there was a rock band, Emerson Lake and Palmer (ELP) who ultimately became famous for two things: first for being a bunch of gifted musicians who disappeared up a musical cul-de-sac, never to return, and secondly for having to deploy several trucks to move their 40 tons of equipment around from gig to gig at a time when some of their contemporaries could still get all their equipment in the back of a Morris Traveller. The late, great John Peel once referred to ELP as ‘a tragic waste of talent and electricity’, which is possibly a bit harsh, but you get the drift.
Well, we have reached that moment when we too need to hire a road crew to take everything I need to support any extended trip away from home. As well as fitting my electric wheelchair in I need to consider taking a toilet seat raiser, bed guard, mattress topper, satin slide sheet, elephant feet (to raise the height of the bed), ramps and my walker. Add to that list the medical equipment I now need to have to hand – a ventilator and a cough-assist machine, plus the bottles of liquid feed I need for my gastrostomy tube. And on top of all that, as of two weeks ago, we now need to accommodate a mobile hoist and sling. The list seems endless and is ever-growing, although not yet at the 40 ton level.
The sad fact is that spontaneity is largely impossible and every venture needs to be meticulously planned. The temptation is to keep to the well worn paths and not to go to new places, or indeed not to go places that even six months ago were very do’able. We increasingly need to think about staying in specially adapted accommodation; we found a fabulous place in Norfolk which was ideal and if you live in the Sandringham area we could have popped in to see you. We are determined to keep venturing forth for as long as possible, but it ain’t easy.
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Ian, I somehow missed your previous (September) blog, so have just read the last two together.
What can I say? Other than my usual observation, that all you’re having to put up with is heartbreaking, and all that you say and think about it is so unbelievably inspiring. Thank you for being such an amazing example, and may God protect you and your loved ones. Please revel in their love this Christmas, notwithstanding the unimaginable physical barriers you face.
Love and respect,
Matt
Thanks Matt. Good to hear from you.
All good wishes to you both
This is especially for Christmas and the new year ahead
David
Another good read Ian, keep you blogs coming. Xx
Ian (and Sally) – thank you. Always challenging, always honest, always humbling.
Having been long-term carers ourselves we are always struck by the impact we know it has on Sally too. Clearly a team effort !
(Hesitate to suggest that we’ll pop over – with my earlier empty threat staring at me from your earlier blog ! The post-Christmas break frees up some time from grand-parent duties. “Must try harder”)
J & P
😂 You are forgiven!
I get it Ian, albeit on a much smaller scale to you. All I can say though is that I feel that God loves and rewards perseverance, and an adventurous outlook. It enlarges the spirit somehow. So keep venturing out, however and whenever you can. May He bless you as you do.
Hi Ian Just received your Christmas letter and got sent here to the blog. It’s been such a long time hasn’t it. I think the last time might have been when you and Sally visited Oxford on your barge/boat/ship or whatever is the correct nautical name. Hey, you have always been an inspiration in what you do. Remember that guitar/fiddle piece we used to play with you channeling Stephan Grappelli? The guitar chords were not that hard. The fiddle part was!!! You seemed to take it all in your stride with a huge smile on your face. And that seems to continue on your blogs. Just wanted to connect with you Richard and wish you a fabulous Christmas and 2024 with your family. Regards Dominic
Not sure why I called you Richard!!!! Senior moment or just plain distracted? You chose.
It happens 😊
Ah yes, I remember it well. That was a fun piece, although I remember getting brain freeze one time when playing at the youth group meeting and couldn’t remember how to get to the end of the piece. 😟
It happens!! Great memories.
Mary Poppin’s bag springs to mind …. I echo Matt Chamberlain’s comments. Wishing you, Sally and your family a happy Christmas.
Much love Ruth
Thanks Ruth. Look forward to seeing you soon. x
Hi Ian, hope you don’t mind, I love reading your blog and how you’re managing with everything. It really helps me at the moment. Hope it helps you too.
I’m still involved tangentially with CFG in particular running their peer mentoring scheme which I really love. I miss you there!
Hope you had a good Christmas break and looking at the snow out of the window, that it won’t cause you too many problems. It looks pretty anyway!
Lots of love to you and your family,
Nicki (Deeson) xx
How lovely to hear from you Nicki. Funnily enough I was thinking about CFG this morning. Glad to know you are still involved. x