A few Saturdays ago I drove in the rain to Perth. I had promised Mel gold class cinema seats to see Mamma Mia (here we go again). This Wednesday I once more travel to Perth but by train. I'm expecting the worse of the weather and picture myself with coat, umbrella with wet clothes clinging to my skin while listening to the thunderous roar of thunder overhead.
I had call from a dear friend last Wednesday. She told me without hesitation her husband Geoff had passed away. She knew it was coming; she could see it. She knew. I had been thinking of her all morning but I hadn't expected her news. Geoff and my friend helped look after Merv once a week from 2010 to 2013. After Merv's support worker knocked off for the day there was an hour and a half before I came home from work. They filled the gap. I left afternoon tea for them and they chatted and played games with Merv. I was forever grateful.
I had just given in my notice at work in 2013 when my friend said matter of factly they could no longer help Merv. The timing was impeccable. Geoff like Merv had a neurological disease, his being even rarer than Huntington's Disease. He went downhill fast and was in a care facility for almost two years. I was so sad to hear about his passing.
Merv is still well in the sense he is eating, drinking, sleeping and communicating. He has a pureed diet only, drinks using a special safety straw and has padded rails on his bed to prevent him from falling out of bed. His speech is slurred but he knows what is going on around him. Today he told me he missed me. I was late arriving by thirty minutes. Firstly I was just late and then I stood and chatted to my neighbour. I took time to chat while he was in outside when I went to get in my car. We will often go for weeks without crossing paths.
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