Journey

Today Rory is 20.  He has completed his teenage years and is now an adult.  It has been a childhood like no other.  There has been suffering, loss and challenges but also great courage, joy, triumph and adventure.  Rory and our family have also received a tremendous amount of love and support.  Rory has survived.  Today is the start of a new decade for him.  The 20s are a time when you set the stage for the rest of your life; you leave home, complete higher education, secure your first job, find a partner, start a family and travel the world.  The construction of Rory’s stage is currently an unknown but is likely to be as unique as his life has been.  With the support of some incredible people we will do our best to ensure the life Rory lives upon the stage is rich, full, meaningful and happy.  Rory we love you to the moon and back. 

Rory has been busy this week with his course at WITT, building at the New Plymouth Men’s Shed with Peter and volunteering at Doggy Day Care and Woodleigh Nursery.  Strong winds at The Junction on Friday meant it was unsafe to volunteer so he and Deanne played hooky. 

Medical appointments are always a feature in Rory’s week.  He attended an endocrine appointment with Dr Sharma.  There have been slight adjustments to his medication and she is concerned about his continued weight loss.  Rory doesn’t have much appetite and only periodic interest in food.  His weight has been declining over the last six months.  At the end of the week Nurse Cheryl gave Rory his 3-monthly testosterone injections.  We had the first visit by Leanne (Occupational Therapy) and Josh (Physio) from ACC.  It was an opportunity for them to meet Rory and learn a little about him.  Assessment will follow so we can develop a plan and recommendations for ACC. 

Physical activity is always a priority.  Rory continues to work out at the gym with Dane four times a week.  Yesterday he attended an Archery session with Parafed Taranaki supported by Sean.  They are trying to develop a technique which allows him to shoot with the wobbles.  Colt, Caitlyn and I watched Sam’s first football game of the season with new team Western in New Plymouth.  It was a shield game and he was thrilled with their 2-1 win. 

Happy 84^th birthday also to Poppa Honnor.  We celebrated with a family dinner at a local Thai restaurant as it is also Uncle Guy’s birthday in a week.  Congratulations to Sam for his football win and Colt for being appointed a whanau leader at Inglewood Primary.