I'll try not to write to much as I'm sure many of you are all receiving Christmas letters from many friends and family. It's a funny time when December rolls around as every year seems to go faster than the year before. I've been thinking about what to write for a few days, and each time couldn't remember the first 6 months of the year, or more! It always seems as though not much has happened. So I thought I'd start from the most recent to the oldest memories and happenings. One of the best Christmas gifts of all time is that my National Disability Insurance Scheme government package was approved, and arrived as of December 6th January. OMG I can't tell you how much this will change mine and Mum's lives. Prior to it I was getting a little package that just paid for 2 x 45 minutes for a carer each morning on the weekend. Now I can afford to have a carer 7 days a week for at least 1 hour or more a day 7 days a week, and so much more! Wow......it is still sinking in. I am managing it myself instead of paying another company (middle man) to manage it. My brain still works, I can use Excel and I love a challenge. I only received the letter on the 14th of December (last Thursday) so am still [utting things into place. AND THE BEST NEWS OF ALL ---- I AM GOING ON A CRUISE TO NEW ZEALAND AS OF EARLY JANUARY 2017. My first holiday as a paraplegic. My first holiday in 10 years. My first holiday to New Zealand. My first cruise ever. I can't wait. I started organising it in July 2016 as there are very few wheelchair cabins available, and they tend to go pretty quickly. It's also a very popular cruise from Melbourne. I'll write a separate blog or two about the process and the trip. No doubt there will be many photographs to come. It's been a massive job to organise as there is no agency that does it, nor any websites to assist in the process. The cost is great as it includes food and a cabin. I'm taking a friend who used to be a carer of mine along with me so that we can share the room, and she can assist with all the things I need help with. One downside of this year is that I've been sick a lot this year. I'd say probably at least 4 months of the year. It doesn't help as it affects all the nerves on my spinal cord which in turn muck up my muscles and nerves that the disease has damaged. At the moment I am having a huge problem bending my left leg. Ok back to positive things for this year. I went and had a photo with Father Christmas. Yip, never forget that playful inner child. I was at Chadstone one day and there he was. My gorgeous Aunt came to visit for two weeks from South Africa, and as always we had a wonderful time and made many more precious memories. I self published my second photography book of the Japanese garden, and sold 5 copies! Wow...I just photograph for myself, I am so honoured and grateful that others enjoy what I love doing. This year I really loved photographing things, especially the plants and flowers in the garden. I would love to do a course in 2018 just to learn a little more about the best way to use my camera. Not to mention taking heaps more interesting photos and exploring other subjects and areas. Finally my $ 5,000 dollar tooth has been attached into my gum. That is for one tooth! It has taken about 18 months of my time and countless visits for impressions, drilling, screws to be implanted and more. It's pretty fascinating as everything but the tooth is made of gold so that it doesn't rust. I have a brilliant dentist so there was very little pain involved. Turn away now if you don't want to see the photos. Last but least I'd like to thank everyone for all their support this year, kind words, caring for me, as well as those who purchased my books. And a massive thanks to my gorgeous Mum who is not only my best friend and confidant, but the best carer I could have in the world!
1 Comment
Joy Borcher
22/12/2017 11:56:53 pm
Wow. What more can I say about such a brave and together person. I admire you for the guts you have in everything you tackle May your Holliday be wonderful! May you be blessed. Much love
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AuthorIn a wheelchair permanently since early 2010 due to a disease called NMO. I am loving getting out and about in my wheels. My blogs capture my journey. Archives
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