Journey

“When life gets you down do you wanna know what you’ve gotta do?  Just keep swimming” Dory

Dory is a Regal blue tang fish on the Disney films Finding Nemo and Finding Dory.  Her optimism proves an invaluable quality to help overcome the impossible.  To Dory the glass is always half full.  It is a great attitude to have.  Occasionally I need reminding. 

I can understand why parents of children with special powers give up on many activities.  Some are impossible, not within the realm of what can be achieved.  Some activities are a struggle; financially, physically, mentally and emotionally.  The children need modified equipment and one on one support, they become too large to manage safely and effectively, and extra time and energy is required for planning and motivation.  You are also always on high alert for mishaps and emergencies.  It is easier to give up and let things fall away, especially fitness, sport and the outdoors.  Many children with special powers lead sedentary lives and gain weight.  They spend too much time sitting.  Rory has spent too much time sitting in hospitals.  Even now he spends too much time sitting, even though I work hard to ensure he is busy and active.  We are lucky organisations like ParaFed Taranaki www.parafedtaranaki.co.nz/ and the Halberg Foundation https://halberg.co.nz/ exist to enhance the lives of physically disabled kiwis by enabling them to participate in sport and recreation.  Tracy and John, and personal trainers like Dane at Next Level Fitness and Jeremy at Latitude 39, see the potential in young people with special powers.  They support them to participate, keep fit and reach as high as they can.  Rory was very proud this week to receive his certificate for competing at the 2021 Halberg Games.  He also received certificates for Most Promising Player in Archery and Cross Fit.  Inglewood High School students Jake, Milly and Libby were also proud to be recognised for their achievements as part of the Taranaki team. 

Rory was thrilled to have Natasha back on Wednesday and Rob on Thursday.  Their days were full and as Rob said “the time flies”.  On Saturday we drove south and helped the Patea Planting Trust plant 750 native plants as part of their restoration project along the walkway by the river.  Sean and I have always planted in winter with the boys but there had been a two year gap.  It was good to have our hands in the soil again.  In the afternoon the boys and I (with two extras) headed north for a walk along Waitara’s east beach to the sunken forest on Airedale reef.  An historic mudslide from Taranaki maunga reached all the way out to the reef.  It collected the trees in its path, an ancient forest flattened.  The boys loved exploring in the rock, mud and timber pools while Rory and I searched for treasure as we walked along the high tide line arm in arm. 

Over the last month Colt has been playing interschool football for Inglewood Primary.  They have suffered several defeats but he hasn’t let this get him down.  He is a thinking player, like his big brother Sam, and analyses all the games.  He was very proud to have scored a goal on Friday in spite of the loss. 

Congratulations Grannie and Grandad Gardiner on your 51^st wedding anniversary. 

Happy 17^th Birthday Corbyn.