Alan's View Point

My original mission, as detailed by Nell, was to take my best camera and capture the staff doing what the staff do best – caring for the vulnerable.  The photography aspect appealed to me, the enthusiasm of Nell prevailed and I said I would give it a try.  Not for long!  The first person I spoke to about the project was less than keen, and since there is no possible way I would upset her, the project was cancelled.  In any case, my grandson, a young professional photographer is coming to help Nell with this project.  He has a lot of charm and a nice smile, so my break down the fences!

Instead, I will try to pass the time whilst on respite on the InPatient Unit, in trying to paint a word picture of my Thursday ladies.  Nell tells me this is for the blog, so enjoy reading!

There is a danger that several accusations can be made of my way of seeing things.  Over sentimental, too gushy and the list is endless, but I write as I feel and will do my best to describe a small group of people who form an important part of my life.

My first day at the Hospice Day Service began with me driving though the gates to be overwhelmed by the flowers.  Boxes and tubs of summer annuals and roses in profusion.  A riot of colour that was instantly uplifting.  Step through the entrance and the peace inside was unlike anything I had met before.  In a few moments I found myself in the Day Service Room.  The new boy!

As I sat there trying to take it in, the two first people to come to me were the two Anne’s.  The first Anne was to become a person I always enjoy seeing, she was on a mission to sort out our approval for the days menu.  In later weeks, I really liked these few minutes, not for prospect of the menu to come but I enjoyed seeing Anne.  Only a few steps behind was the other Anne always with a nice smile, anxious to keep me going with a tea or coffee, and together with Tricia, the third volunteer, they were to become a part of my life.  Tricia came after the Anne’s.  Someone with an aura of calm, she asked me if I would like to walk in the garden we talked and picked the gardeners newly grown strawberries.  I took this walk in the garden many times after, even eating the peas as well!

They give up time for others but I can assure them that it is not only the physical back up they provide, serving lunch and drinks and everything else, but the deep affection they inspire.

The next person to grab me was Terri who was going to be my nurse and keep an eye on my health.  Terri produces a pen and pad from nowhere and makes little notes, a bit like a police caution, anything that you say can be taken down and used in evidence against you.  But when Terri makes a note things happen and she remembers.  She reads me very well and is very high in my affections, I owe a great deal to her.

‘Commander’ Nell has the most sophisticated computer I have ever seen, straight from Cape Canaveral.  It helps her cater for our cultural needs and finding projects to enrich our lives, a very clever lady is Nell, with a multitude of skills and boundless enthusiasm.

Periodically Ruth will lead the way for a Complimentary Therapy session, to date I have only had a massage, soft music in the background, two hands waltzing their way across your back.  Another gentle person.

Every now and then an explosion occurs in the room, this marks the arrival of Mo!  Always with a huge smile that lights up the room, so much energy, my conclusion is that she’s atom powered.  Mo has also helped me by attending the Falls Group.  Her job makes it difficult but I wish we saw more of mo.  Now, there is a slogan to chant in the corridors of the hospice, ‘More of Mo!’

Then there is Lissie, and how on earth do I capture this lovely person.  On my first attendance we sat in the garden and talked, as is my weakness, I talked and Lissie listened.  It suddenly hit me that I was with someone who was special. 

Last. But very much not least, is someone who has become a great ‘oppo’.  (In the navy your best friend is your opposite number – ‘oppo’ for short.)  For some reason the first few weeks she seemed to be dashing around and I did not even know her name.  To me she was ‘nurse neat’!  Since then we have talked together a lot, she always finds time for me, and on my first night in respite she popped in to say hello before she went on annual leave.  This has to be my friend Julie, another ray of sunshine.

They say every snowflake that falls on the world if put under a microscope is lovely but totally unique.  The Thursday ladies are all very different personalities but all combined to make the world a better place.

There comes a time in life when few friends are left, to be given a day with such caring people is a very precious gift.