Dreaming

Merv has settled in well.  Yesterday he was excited about the Eagles, his favourite footy team.  They were playing at 6pm.  He even spoke a few words, I held my breath and tried to decipher what he was saying.  Names of football players were easier, the rest we tried again or in despair my solution is to nod, smile and agree.  He waved his oversized flag each time his team kicked another goal.  He was happy.
Merv now has Support Workers spending time with him while I go out, either with Mel or by myself.  Usually it's with Mel.  In saying that Mel has connected with a local group for people with mental health issues.  On Friday she had her official appointment.  She discussed her goals and they're already helping her to achieve them.  How amazing is that.  Mel has also joined Weight Watchers and a local art group.
Merv was already to join an all male day centre.  They had told the admin if they wanted to stay indoors they would stay home instead.  These guys wanted to rock n roll!  Well, what they meant is they wanted an outing every week of their choice.  Which is what they got.  I was told Merv had the funding for the day centre and a Support Worker (hopefully male) as he needs full assistance with most things.  He can eat by himself and still has a healthy appetite.  'Cheesecake' being his favourite food and word!  Merv's mobility has gone from bad to worst.  His walking is like a stutter, it is not a lean from side to side like it was before.  I know his brain is not sending the correct messages to his body.  It upsets me.  I don't know how long he has before he will need to go into permanent care.  I can't think about it, but I know I should.
I was all excited about the day centre happening.  Then the email arrived saying there was a 'snag'  but hopefully it can be fixed.  Oh, I was like a deflated balloon!  Like most funding issues I'm not holding my breath....
I am still amazed that in January this year I had no idea I would be living so close to the estuary and the ocean in this wonderful house (which needs ongoing renovation!) 
Yesterday we enjoyed another warm, sunny autumn day.  We walked along the estuary path for sometime, stopping to enjoy the view of the water, ducks and birds.  It was a glorious time.  I often stop Merv's wheelchair so we can enjoy the moment together of just stopping, looking and immersing ourselves in the moment.

Another goal for the Eagles!

Merv on the Move

Merv is happy in his new home.  I know, because he told me.  It was always a concern about moving.  He had little say in the matter.  We moved because the house no longer met our needs.  It was really my decision.  I decided, yes almost everything.  Merv went along for the ride.  I remind myself he tells me he likes the new house and living close to the ocean and the estuary.  I can only feel relief.
He didn't complain when he was bundled off to respite for two weeks while we finished packing, emptied the house plus our huge brick shed.  We experienced the rigours of moving house before setting up home away from people and groups he knew well.  Again I was relieved.
In our previous house our home was on a hilly gradient.  There was never talk of taking Merv for a walk using his wheelchair unless we drove somewhere first.  Here the land and neighbourhood is flat.  Perfect for a jaunt around the block for a walk or a bumpy ride on the rickety boardwalk to the estuary.  A fresh breeze from the ocean and a lightness of life abounds. 
While Merv pondered in respite the nominated bathroom renovator and his merry men spent four days gutting and refitting Merv's ensuite bathroom as a 'wet room'.  It is just perfect.
Fortunately Merv was in care while tradesmen hammered, drilled and generally made all types of noises while refitting all types of 'must haves'. 
Tomorrow the sky light will be fitted.  Thank goodness we can finally leave the light off in the living area.  Next week the blinds will be fitted and security to doors and windows.  The wilting garden looks at me in expectation.  I add a few flowers for colours but it's screaming for a makeover.
Merv doesn't care about the garden, he makes no mention of it.
Merv has been home with us only two weeks.  I have taken him out for fish and chips by the water and shown him more shops than he would choose to remember.  Now I'm tired of the retailers.  I yearn for the sea breeze, the view of the waves lapping at the shore, children (ooh it's school holidays here) playing on the sand.  Yes it's time to down tools and refresh the soul.
Tomorrow I will take Merv and Mel down to the ocean and walk along the flat and winding path which runs close by.  We will breath in the fresh cool air from the ocean and be glad we moved here.

Fish and Chips by the water

16 minute walk  from home, wonderful view!