Journey

It is the last school holiday before the lead up to Christmas.  Normally we would go away for a week on an adventure out of the region, but now I am working full time we could only squeeze in a mini-break.  It was a bit chaotic but we have enjoyed a couple of days with Grannie and Grandad Gardiner in Dannevirke.  On the first day Sean, Colt and I tramped to Longview Hut in the eastern Ruahine Range.  We spent day two in Hastings.  The highlights were; Hawkes Bay Farmers market, Te Mata Peak, Birdwood lolly shop, Waitangi Regional Park with Ātea a Rangi Star Compass (www.atea.nz/atea) , Terminus exhibition at Hastings Art Gallery (art in virtual reality) and short walks around two special wetlands.  The couple of days away did us all good.  Rory and Tash struggle to fill in time together without the WITT Skills for Living class, whereas Colt is in his element.  He fills his days with friends at the movies, Inflatable World, Laser Tag and eating pizza under the watchful eye of Nana Honnor or other mothers.  This week I spent a large amount of time completing administration for ACC to keep Rory's existing Support Carers. They are now contractors rather than staff.  Rory's supports have ceased to be funded by the Ministry of Health.  Rory attended a physical therapy appointment with Josh from ACC at Pukekura Park and Sean and I attended Rory's appointment with ACC Clinical Psychologist Andy.  This week Sean and I marked our 24 year anniversary.  It is hard to comprehend what we have been through during this time.  We are fortunate to have been able to love and support each other during the good times and bad.  I gifted Sean a photo from the National Library of his ancestor, warrior and leader Eruera Maihi Patuone https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/1p12/patuone-eruera-maihi .  It hangs in pride of place in our lounge.