Back on the Bouli and off to the park ….
Big day today … the wonderful Campbell from the integration group mapped out a trip to the park for us all with Ash. He also showed us the way to the train station so we can escape that way if needed (to get to the footy if the swans make it to next week)!
We left Talbot just after 3 in beautiful sunshine and headed off for our adventure. Ash was on her bike with her helmet on racing daddy. We headed off along Kew Boulevard and across the river to a wonderful park where Ash and daddy had their first play in 9 weeks. Was a pretty rough ride for Mike in his chair and his shoulders were pretty sore by the time we got back. It is pretty hilly over that side of town and the trip used up 25% of his chairs power. Lovely to spend a couple of hours out in the sun doing something “normal”. Mike has been teaching Ash to swing by explaining to her how to do it (as he can no longer show her). Anyway, today she did a great job of swinging herself and pronounced — “I can do it myself, the way Daddy showed me (slight pause) … told showed me”. Big achievement Mike – being a great dad explaining how to do something rather than showing her.
Was a lovely day so there were lots of cyclists out for a ride, a think a bit confronting but something to get used to. On the way back to Talbot we saw a cyclist come scooting past with a wave and yell “Hey Forbesy”. It was wonderful Dr Sammy out for his Thursday afternoon session. Sammy was on a hot-lap so we watched him speed off before he flipped around to come back for a chat. Looks like we will be out for the next few Thursday’s timing Sammy’s hot-laps and giving a bit of encouragement. Ash is already planning her “Go Sammy” sign. While we were out and about Mike’s legs were jumping like crazy …. he is adamant that they knew they were at the Bouli and wanted to ride!
We were all pretty exhausted after our adventure but it was lovely to get out and know there is such a great park relatively close by. Will definitely be doing that again as soon as Mike’s program (and shoulders) allow. Thanks Campbell – this was the most positive couple of hours since arriving at Talbot – fantastic!
Also thanks to the lovely Erin who has completed the home-assessment. We now know what we need to get done for Mike to come home …. this will be added to the projects list over the coming days.
As usual, thanks to Theresa (Mike’s physio) … these sessions are the highlight of his day – he loves getting out of the chair, stretching, and trying new things!
Mike has a new room-mate so unfortunately the voice recognition software doesn’t get much of a run at the moment. He is pretty keen to post another message to you all. He is reading the messages, it’s just difficult to “type” in his responses. Will try to get some time in a meeting room where it is quiet enough for the software to work.
September 6th, 2008 on 2:13 pm
No wonder you were all exhausted! How fantastic to have such quite family moments you have enjoyed over this last fortnight, and so soon.
Your record is truly remarkable.
And Mike’s determination through what must be some sad moments, shines on.
Absolutely uplifting Forbes family.
The Congdons
September 7th, 2008 on 7:35 pm
Dear Mike and all other dear people,
Lovely photos and news. Nobody takes for granted how brave you’re being Mike, we just stand in awe. Best wishes for the next year and minute!
Love Libby
September 7th, 2008 on 8:06 pm
Hi Forbesy,
Happy Birthday! Glad we could share in the celebration through the photos. Its great to hear that you guys were able to get out this week together as a family, in the fresh air -just to play. Love to you, Mon and Ashley,
Brett, Julia and boys.
September 8th, 2008 on 5:58 pm
Hi Mike, Mon and Ash,
Keep pushing the boundaries, hope the shoulders have recovered.
Mum and Dad are ready to try a little face painting I am sure for the footy trip – if you are keen?
Here in the West we continue to be in awe of you and your girls. Cheering always and wishing we could do something to help. One day we will work out what!
Love you and get thee to the blue house!
Love Sally, Mike, El and Teg xxxx
September 8th, 2008 on 9:17 pm
Great to see your newest party tricks Forbesy, moving legs hands and feet after 10 weeks is remarkable – you are indeed ‘the Freak’.
“Now tell me I’ll never walk again!” you proudly challenge – I for one would never say “never” about you mate.
GMD
August 16th, 2011 on 5:30 pm
in my mind,Enjoy serves as a stunning apparel, dodgy; affection can be quite a organic jacket, put on your heated spirit towards hot following the lung.