Journey

When you find people who not only tolerate your quirks but celebrate them with glad cries of “Me too!” be sure to cherish them.  Because those weirdos are your tribe. 

This week Rory found his tribe.  Over the last six months I have worked hard to organise a weekly timetable of activities for Rory.  He is doing the things he loves and has really great people in his life who are helping him participate.  He has become part of several teams.  I didn’t realise there was something missing until he came home from the WITT – Skills for Living course on Tuesday.  When I asked how it went he said simply “I loved being with people like me’.  The other students on the course are also young adults with challenges who are making their way in the world.  They are developing independence from their families, learning new skills and having fun.  Rory was only too happy to return on Wednesday for a team building session at Ngamotu Beach. 

Walking has been the theme for the week.  On Taranaki Anniversary the lake circuit at Rotokare Scenic Reserve was great therapy for us all.  The Toutouwai NI robin frequently approach close to the path.  This morning we got our daily exercise during the Nexans fun run/walk in Bell Block with Parafed Taranaki.  Rory managed to complete a 5.6km circuit supported by Sean and I.  There was a great sense of accomplishment and we were lucky enough to win a couple of spot prizes.  Yesterday, while Rory was with Support Carer Jo, Sean, Colt and I slipped away to tramp at Awakau through the cave.  Standing in the dark looking up at a universe of glow worms is really something.  The giant jumping cave wetas and the fishing spiders were larger than I remembered, and the exit hole from the cave smaller.  Sean had to pull me through when my hips got wedged.  As we made our way out through the forest we were accompanied by many Piwakawaka fantail looking to catch moths disturbed by our feet from the leaf litter.