My transport duties ended at 15:45.  All day at the hospital.  Thank you for the very welcome sandwiches and water.  A well-deserved cup of tea as they both landed exhausted.  A deep recognition of how they struggle with the journey.  Care closer to home? and missed yoga.

We laughed and cried between and during investigations, and caused uproar with a not-forgotten teacher’s voice helping out a Dr struggling with pronunciation.  And thank you to the Nurse who helped us with our pronunciation and the ones who were free with their hugs and explanations when needed.  Thank goodness those urgent medications arrived late last night!  Today is a very different day. All be it one of continued issues.

On, returning home, I was asked how the treatment compared to Albania, and honestly, Albania wasn’t nearly as busy, but apart from an update on the operation, we did get a thorough service, a trillion times improvement on A&E that’s for sure and an understanding about the need for explanation and pain relief.  Considerably more human. An untangling of some useless electronic communication that caused consternation and wasn’t designed with clinicians or patients, a fact that needs more attention and some change. An interesting conversation about the experience of having to be an advocate for his wife, fighting a system that wasn’t listening.

We’re so glad you came with us is an uncomfortable place to be, torn between absolutely recognising the need, happy to help, noting the increasing need and wondering where or how that might be filled. How that need is filled when I’m not there. Just a whole day or night here or there? We are at least taking it in turns now when our work allows. A system that is willfully blind to the juggle and goes on to pass blame and judgement. Where is the respite when people need it as life becomes increasingly hard?

Some people booked in for quotes, while I was there, handy thing these mobile offices on the phone. An issue with the car on the way back but luckily sorted without the anticipated panic of yet another thing to cope with. The part for the trashed suspension from our terrible roads at least now replaced. (An opportunistic reference for a circular economy intervention). Missed an opportunity to take a photo of the bin as you get to the Elmstead Market turn off. Someone’s got a sense of humour.

They really need more help but who I wonder? I listen as someone says how their daughter in law is useless and I wonder what that actually means as she cares for her own children and work, no wonder people bin off family, when they’re quick to judge a woman’s capacity for the load, fail us on levelling up. What unrealistic expectations are being banded about in that family I wonder? By the NHS? By Politian’s, by us?

The local awnings are out and looking lovely; check out that shade!  Notice the shade from the trees.  It’s hot today, and the wind has dropped we discovered when we got out of the hospital.  Thanks to those who have reached out to provide quotes.  Some of us working late. There’s some things on LinkedIn I can’t access at the moment, just to say.

A great new contact from a mutual friend after an unexpected kindness.