Home again Jane

Sierra came home from the ward today. Shane and I collaborated well, being the directors of what was happening in the hospital system and pushing to get her home. It's a testament to us both that we can get on the same page at these times. 

Word from the Ward

Here we are almost 10 days later.... If I told you honestly what it was like here you would say what everyone says, "I don't know how you do it?" I know how.... You just do. 

Shane has a sign on the fridge and it says, "You do it when you feel like it and when you don't." I read that everyday when I'm home and it reminds me to take the action!

Being in hospital tonight is like that. I have been away for four days, we have been transferred to the ward from ICU and if we want "good service" we have to build the relationships with this set of doctors and nurses from scratch. 

All I want is to go home, watch DVD's, and relax. However, I know Sierra needs me here. To reassure her. For her to know Mummy is here as well as Daddy (and Nanny) and for me to fight for her and alongside her to get the best possible "service", get well and get out of here.

Reflection

Sierra is still in ICU and I am in Auckland beginning the next piece of work and next engagement. 

How do you reconcile life when both parts are equally important? 

The doctors tell me there is still, "room to move" with her treatment of the chest infection she struggles with and I feel torn apart at leaving her in the hands of doctors and anyone other than her mother (and father).

These are the moments I reflect on.

Loving a life with disability

I sometimes confide in people that I have made Sierra's disability a life-style choice. What I mean by this is I can view this situation as restrictive and bad OR find the things Sierra gives me access to as exciting, and look for the upside. 

It's easier to see travelling O/S for therapy, fundraising and respite as more exciting than sitting in the Royal Children's Hospital on the weekend. However, I can see the opportunity here as well, when I look!

This weekend I have come down with Sierra's flu so I was able to access antibiotics quickly, and panadeine. Shane and I have a room on Floor 2 and Sierra has one-on-one nurse care so I've really had the opportunity to rest and read. Through Dropbox my sister has also given me access to DVD box sets, my favourite way to get better from illness! Friends, colleagues and family are in touch and we are able to laugh and talk. I was able to reconnect with the lovely Mills family who have been there for us so many times!

Sierra's carer will come here with her homework tomorrow and therefore stay longer and allow me not just to teach but also practice yoga. 

These are small things, but they are the good, wholesome things that have one feel nurtured.

In addition I have been able to prepare for the week ahead. There are important opportunities in my life right now and being here has been helpful for catching up on administration and doing the preparation I need to win!

Life turns on a dime!

Last weekend we had an incredible party with people travelling from all over the globe to celebrate our lives and my birthday. 

This weekend we are in hospital with Sierra in ICU with flu.

How life can turn on a dime!

In hospital (again)

So Close but So Far....

A big shout out to all who have contributed OR ever thought of helping Sierra with a fundraiser: bike riding, running, yoga challenge... Please contact me directly. We have approximately $13K left to raise this year to have Sierra "school ready"!