15Jul08 - First Year at School

Lucy is now coming to the end of her first full year at Fairfield School. It has been a revelation for all of us. For a long time I could not imagine Lucy even going to school and even less what a school she would be able to go to would be like. Fairfield School could be in the running for the best school in the world I think. It has to be experienced to appreciate what a fun and positive place it is. Lucy has done more in a year than she could have anywhere else and you only have to watch the above video to see that (or click here to watch on Google Videos). I have had no experience of other similar schools but I am convinced that there could be no better place for her. I have written previously about how wonderful the people are but it cannot be said enough. The teachers, helpers and all the other staff have created an amazing, happy, welcoming atmosphere and I always enjoy taking Lucy into school when I get the chance. The school made a DVD from all the photos they took for each child which is a really nice touch. I could not use it on the blog though because it also included pictures of the other children. The school gladly provided most of the pictures of Lucy so that I could recreate it for the blog. I have to admit being a little weepy when I watched it the first few times but I wasn't sad. It is just so nice to see Lucy taking part in so many different activities and really enjoying herself. I am so proud of how far she came during the last year at Fairfields and I give them all the credit. Thank you Fairfield School for a fantastic year!

04Mar08 - Life Goes On

Our lives have returned to some kind of normality after Lucy's extended holiday in Portugal. We all spent most of the weekend trying to relax and unwind. We were just so relieved to have Lucy back home again because there were times when home seemed so far away.We took Lucy to our local GP for a quick check up on Monday and thankfully she got the all clear for now. I can't help wondering how long it will be until the next time. In her short life Lucy has had more than her fair share of difficult times and she deserves to be given a break. If only I had a magic wand!

It has been lovely seeing Lucy's character and energy returning. She has been so content since coming home, even her happy face is starting to show again. We felt that today she was ready to go back to school and I could tell as I carried her down the corridor that she was glad to be back. Everybody made a big fuss of her but she took it all in her stride, even threatening to go to sleep. There was no chance of that after her teachers got hold of her.Messy play was the first activity of the day and Lucy was straight into it. They use special wedges so that the children can lie on their bellies and get their hands covered in messy stuff or in Lucy's case hands, arms and hair. She will be back in Dad's Salon tonight! Lucy must have enjoyed it because she tolerated lying on her stomach for quite a long time. Normally she really objects. By the time we left both her arms were covered and she had nice pink highlights in her hair. I just love the school, it is such a brilliant place for Lucy to be.It is amazing what a difference a week can make. I like to think, probably wrongly, that with each infection/illness that Lucy has to fight off, she gets a little bit stronger. The truth is not clear but it is certain that in the future there will be many more times when she will need her strength to pull her through. All we can do is learn to make the most of the good times and deal the difficult times when they come along. I am just so glad that for now I have got my little girl back!

06Feb08 - Catch Up

I am having a slight technical hitch writing the blog at the moment after spilling a glass of wine on our computer keyboard. The keyboard was badly traumatised by the experience and has not recovered.

The last week has been a good one for Lucy. She has been very happy and smiley which has rubbed off on all of us.Lucy has also been vocalising quite a lot. At school they even said that she has been smiling and giggling especially when she is playing on the resonance board. When Lucy is like this it gives as all a lift and everything seems just a little easier. It is hard not to wonder how long it will last, as Lucy's life so far has been a perpetual series of peaks and troughs. I guess I should just make the most of this peak while it lasts and who knows, this might be normal!

At school yesterday Lucy had a good time with messy play. She was a bit naughty because she objected to having to sit in her chair and let everyone know about it at the top of her voice. Lucy's teachers are used to her now and are never put off when she misbehaves. They just carry on as enthusiastically as ever which is brilliant. I suppose it is a form of discipline for Lucy to know that she can't just stamp her feet and do what she likes or not do what she doesn't like.Lucy can be a little sensitive to things put in her hands but it is great to see her getting to trying different sensations and feelings. Yesterday it was bright yellow, sticky, cornflour gunk....nice!It is just nice that she can do all this messy stuff at school instead of at home.

08Jan08 - Back to School

It was back to early mornings and the school run routine this week. I think everybody was looking forward to school again although not the 6 o'clock starts. At least we have passed the shortest day of the year but the mornings this time of the year are always dark, cold and usually wet. We have to fight with Lucy to get her coat on and then fight to get her in her car seat. Thats a little unfair because she is much better now than she used to be. Most mornings she will be happy to sit quietly in the car but every so often she likes to scream all the way to school. This week so far she has been a little gem.Over the last couple of days Lucy has shown some signs that she might finally be starting to shake the niggly cold and cough that has been getting her down for so long. She was definitely OK to go to school and it just shows how much she likes school because after not seeing any smiles for a couple of weeks the first thing Lucy did when she got to her classroom was break into a big smile.In fact she was all smiles. They made a big fuss of Lucy as soon as she arrived just to let her know that she was back and that it was good to see her. Back at school and loving every minute of it. Dawn is also now able to get a little of her own time back which is good. Today I was able to go on the school run as well and it was quite a good feeling dropping both the kids off at school and returning to a quiet and peaceful house.

Only one appointment today with Lucy's Occupational Therapist. She came to sort out Lucy's sleep system and to talk about a new chair for Lucy to use at school. It looks like we might be able to get one for home as well which will make a big difference. At the moment Lucy's chair has a push-chair frame and an indoor seating frame. We have no choice but to carry the seat between the car and the house. The seat is quite bulky and awkward and sometimes we end up just leaving it in the car, which of course is not ideal. So I was really pleased to hear that we can have a separate seat for home as it will make life a lot easier. These things usually take a while to get sorted out but at least we have got the ball rolling. I guess when it comes to things like this, for people like us, the National Health Service is pretty good.

20Dec07 - End of Term

Lucy has nearly reached the end of her first proper term at School. I am really proud of how far she has come and now I can see that she is growing up fast. She is no longer a little baby. This last week before Christmas has been packed full of exciting activities which I know from reading her school diary. On Monday she was in the final performance of "Christmas Under the Sea" which according to the school notes she really enjoyed. After the performance the class sung Christmas songs with lots of bells for Jingle Bells. On Tuesday Lucy had fun making a picture, painting and playing in the igloo. She also visited the school grotto and joined in with Jingle Bells again. On Wednesday they had a Christmas party so Lucy went to school in party clothes. To quote from her diary,

"Lucy has had such a lovely time at the party. She is in such a good mood - back on form all round!"

She ate a chocolate mini roll which I bet she loved, played "pass the parcel" and enjoyed dancing. She also visited Santa's Grotto at the school and got a present. The school sent home a lovely picture of Lucy with Santa but I haven't got round to scanning it in yet. Today she has been working on the trampoline, playing in the "Soft Play" and joined in making sounds on the resonance board. Every day is different for Lucy at school and everything sounds like so much fun. It is so reassuring to know that Lucy is getting to try lots of different things and that she is having so much fun at the same time. The stimulation that she must be getting is far beyond anything we could provide at home for her. I know I often praise Fairfield School and the people that work there but they deserve every possible accolade for what they achieve. They make such an enormous difference to the quality of life of every child at the school. After this week Lucy is pretty tired but I think this just shows how busy she has been and how much fun she is having. She had her MMR vaccination yesterday so last night she was very grumpy and hadn't managed to sleep it off by this morning. Tonight she seemed a little better but was still a bit miserable which I put down to tiredness. Lucy's friend Iram came to visit this evening to exchange Eid and Christmas presents. Lucy was having her supper when Iram arrived and unfortunately she fell asleep straight afterwards so they didn't get to spend much time together. I also didn't get a chance to get a photo. Lucy was just worn out so I put her to bed and I am pretty sure she will sleep all night (doing her impression of a scarecrow!!!).

18Dec07 - Favourite Igloo

One of Lucy's favourite places at school is an igloo. It is set up in one corner of the classroom and inside it has all sorts of fun stuff to look at. I think also because it is white, she really enjoys the light inside. When we dropped her off this morning she was a bit grumpy but as soon as I put her in the igloo, her mood changed almost straight away.If we had space at home for a huge artificial igloo, I think I would buy one for her. Lucy has been brewing a cold for the last couple of days and it should be here just in time for Christmas. Hopefully it won't get too grim and we will get away with just the nose goo and the coughing.

12Dec07 - Christmas Under the Sea

Today we went to Lucy's school to watch the early years and primary performance of "Christmas Under the Sea". This was Lucy's first ever school play. I don't know why but I never imagined that Lucy would ever be in a school play. I was really looking forward to it and we made sure we were early so that we could get a front row seat. Lucy was a "Jellyfish" and she looked so cute in her little costume (frizzy top, glittery skirt and tights).I didn't know what to expect from the play and wondered how they were going to pull it off. All the children were wheeled or lead into the hall and put into little groups.There were jellyfish, sharks, dolphins, pirates and all sorts of other sea creatures. Every child was dressed in a costume and the costumes were fantastic. A huge amount of creativity and effort must have gone into coming up with all the different outfits. Even the wheel chairs had been decorated to suit each character. The whole play was done to music and each group had a different act. When it came to the Jellyfish they were wheeled around in a beautifully choreographed dance. It was wonderful to see Lucy taking part and really enjoying herself. She had a huge grin on her face.Lucy's best friend Laila was also a jellyfish and she was having a ball. It was brilliant to see the girls having so much fun.At the end of their routine there was a quick chance for a photo call.The play was about an hour long and it was just an amazing experience. The staff were so enthusiastic and must have been exhausted at the end. I can't express how much admiration I have for them. After the play we all stayed for mince pies and coffee. The girls had done so well and I felt like the proudest father in the world. Lucy and Laila were full of themselves and who knows next stop Broadway????Today has been one of those days that makes me realise how lucky I am to be Lucy's father. She keeps introducing me to new and wonderful experiences. She opens my eyes to the real world that the majority of people will never see and it makes me feel very privileged to be part of it. My little Lucy is a star.

27Nov07 - Grandparents

I had to leave early this morning to catch the train to London so my parents were on hand to take over and sort out Joshua and Lucy. They are so good at just stepping in whenever we need them. They have heard a lot about Lucy's school but it was the first time that they had actually been inside. I told them the routine and made sure that they knew to wait until 9:00 to take Lucy in. Their first impressions were the same as mine, what a fantastic, friendly place. They were welcomed by an "extremely nice man" at the door who greeted Lucy by name and ushered them into the school. They thought he was one of the bus drivers but when they described him to me there was only one person it could have been, Richard the headmaster. I think Fairfield School must be the only school where the headmaster of the school walks around with a beaming smile on his face welcoming the children into school. When they got to Lucy's classroom they were welcomed by Jane, Lucy's teacher ("Isn't she nice" they said) and got to meet some of Lucy's classmates. They were really taken with one little boy who toddled in with his walking frame and actually said hello to them. Jane offered to show them round the school tomorrow if they go in a little early which is so nice. Nothing is too much effort at Fairfields. I am glad that they have had the opportunity to see where Lucy spends so much time and experience the brilliant atmosphere that Fairfields provides.

I didn't arrive home until about 20:00 and Lucy was already falling asleep. There was a hot meal waiting for me which was so nice and I decided that it was too late to start Lucy's exercises, so today she and I have had a day off. It is a shame because I am really keen to keep up with the therapy every day, even if there is not enough time to fit in the whole program. Today I guess it just didn't work out, but then if we start to treat it like too much of a regime it will become a burden. Sometimes there are just not enough hours in the day and I am not going to feel guilty about that. I do feel like I have missed a day but work had to come first unfortunately. Joshua still had his school uniform on when I got home and I quickly realised why. At school this morning he had been presented with his Head Boy badge in front of the whole school. At the end of last term he was voted Head boy by the all children at the school. I am so proud of him and he could not be more pleased or proud of himself than he was tonight. He deserves it and it is so nice that he can now feel a little bit special for the rest of the school year. It was a long day away from home but at least I didn't miss seeing Joshua and Lucy before they went to bed. I am just thankful that my parents were around to do what they do best.

23Nov07 - Home Alone

For the next few days I have got the children all to myself. I woke this morning to the normal school routine of kicking Joshua and Lucy out of bed, getting them dressed, making sure their teeth are brushed and sorting out breakfast. Typically I didn't give myself enough time, so it was all a bit of a rush but I actually enjoyed being around to do it. Lucy is such a darling in the mornings. When she wakes up, you wouldn't know that she had cerebral palsy at all. Just like anybody, she stretches her arms right over her head and has that look on her face that says, "Aah Dad do I really have to get up now, just give me a few more minutes". She is half asleep when you get her dressed and we have found that this is the best time to brush her hair because she hardly complains at all. It was all the usual panic, realising that she didn't have a school shirt and rushing downstairs to iron one, struggling to put clip in her hair to make her look respectable for school, running out of time to shave, but I am not always around in the mornings and I didn't mind a bit. Joshua was brilliant and was downstairs eating his breakfast before I had even got Lucy's ready. He always acts so responsibly when he knows it is important to help out. We had a good chat on the way to school about what video game would be the best to make and what it would be like. For the first time in ages I took Lucy to school on my own which was also nice. I always get such a good feeling walking into her school. It is just such a friendly, warm place where everyone is always glad to see you and never short of time to stop and chat. I explained that I had got Lucy ready and had done her hair and of course they said straight away that they could tell but were very nice about it. I guess I can only do my best. Lucy had been sleepy in the car and still looked like she wanted to go to sleep but I am sure that her teachers had other ideas. When I read her report from today she had been on the trampoline and then gone for a swim. In her book it said, "She set off with a kick, then got so relaxed that she had a snooze". She was still tired when I picked her up from nursery and it was a real struggle to keep her awake after her bath to give her supper. This is what I had to deal with after her bath!!I managed to be loud and jolly enough to keep her awake and she finished all her weetabix supper before passing out in my arms. I really love it when she does this not only because it makes bedtime so easy but it is just the feeling of her asleep, happy and content in the last cuddle of the day. I am looking forward to another good day tomorrow.

24Oct07 - First School Trip

We dropped Lucy off this morning to go on her very first school trip to Harewood House near Leeds. There were about nine children who were accompanied by numerous support staff and teachers. Josh was playing big brother this morning but really was just eager to get on with his day which involved breakfast at MacDonalds, ten-pin bowling and going to the cinema. We are hoping to be sent some pictures of the school trip by the school and so hopefully I can post them in retrospect. From what we were told Lucy had a very good time, especially in the planeterium where they said she was really looking around and taking it all in. After our full day with Joshua we picked Lucy up about 3 p:m and found her in the sensory room at the school surrounded by helpers. She was worn out and had a good sleep when she got home. Today was the end of my short break from work so the daily grind starts again tomorrow. It has been good to have 3 days alone with Joshua and I am glad we have made the most of the time. I know that Joshua has been glad of the break and hopefully it has reminded him that he is special too.

18Oct07 - Fairfield Fun

Yesterday Lucy started the day with blue sandy toes. She wasn't sure wether she liked it or not but had a go all the same.
I am glad we don't have a tray of blue sand at home. The mess the kids must make at school every day must be incredible. I really admire the staff at Fairfield School who always take it all in their stride. In fact they actively encourage the kids to get messy.
Today was Lucy's last day of this half term and the school arranged a party for the kids with biscuits to decorate, loud music and snacks. Lucy as you can see got her face painted and it was still there when I picked her up from nursery at 6:00pm.
Joshua and Lucy had a quick play before I threw them both into the bath. Only when I got Lucy in the bath did I realise that she had nail varnish on as well. She has really been spoiled at school today. I was as well because Lucy's Teacher was very polite about Lucy's hair which I had to do because Dawn was not well. I managed to make a ponytail....well some kind of tail and it stayed there too. It was still there when we got to school. I must admit it wasn't as bad as my previous attempts but would still not win any competitions.
You can't really see from these photos but the ponytail had dissappeared by the time she got home.
I would like to say a big thank you to Fairfield School (www.fairfieldschool.co.uk) for everything they have done in Lucy's first half term. It has been an inspiration to me seeing just how much fun Lucy and her new friends have been having and how everyday is filled with such interesting activities. It has taken such a burden off our shoulders knowing that Lucy gets so much stimulation every day. I know Lucy will miss school and will be looking forward to next half term.

10Oct07 - Play Day

Lucy started the day at school with messy art. I just love it when she comes home with paint on her hands. Its just one of those things that you don't do at home because it is such a hassle getting all the stuff out and then cleaning up afterwards. At least now we don't have to feel guilty about that because we know she is getting to do it at school. Thanks again to Fairfield School (www.fairfieldschool.co.uk).
Dawn had a get together with her friends Hayley and Pauline who she met through the Child Development Centre, so Lucy and Laila were dropped off together at Hayley's house by the school bus.
Two big girls in their matching buggies. We had a bit of progress with the Leckey Squiggle (www.leckey.com) chair today. We only have one set of covers for the chair and since Lucy has started at school it is getting more use than before for messy activities which is really good. The nursery have also been keeping her in it after she has been dropped off for the two afternoons a week for their activities. The fact that it is getting dirty means that Lucy is obviously having a lot more fun which is brilliant. The downside is that the nice pink covers are getting covered in all sorts of paint, messy stuff and food and it is quite a mission to get them washed before Lucy needs to use it again. Today we heard that we are going to get another spare set of covers which will mean that we should be able to keep it looking respectable. At the moment our choice is pink, orange, blue or green and we have to make up our mind tomorrow. Laila is getting blue and we may go for green.
Judging from the photos it looks like the kids had a great time. I spoke to Dawn on the phone while she was there and could hear the mayhem in the background.
I think Laila might be getting a crush on somebody!!!!!!! Lucy is just playing aloof.
Lucy was exhausted by bedtime tonight after all that excitement and it did not take her long before she fell asleep. Now its golden time until the chaos resumes tomorrow.

24Sep07 - Mondays Girl

Lucy has been a bit off it for couple of days now. I don't know if she is just uncomfortable or still has sore arms and legs from all the injections and cannulas. She grumbled all the way to school but did seem to relax once she got there. Lucy gets a little note in her school "Contact Book" every day. The Contact Book is really good way of keeping us involved and letting us know what is going on at school. It also gives us a good idea when Lucy has had a good day and when she is not feeling too good. The very first line in the book is "WHAT A STAR! Lucy has been brilliant on her first day at school", which was excellent to read and reinforced what a good decision it was to send Lucy to Fairfield School. Today at the end of the note was one sentence which made me smile, "Lucy has enjoyed having a big cuddle towards the end of the morning session." She is very good at getting what she wants. How many schools can you go to where you get a big cuddle when you're not feeling too good? Lucy says thank you Fairfields for being absolutely brilliant. When we picked her up from nursery this evening we heard that when the bus dropped her off the escort just said she had been crying all the way there. Lucy had probably been on the bus for 1 1/2 hours which would have been enough to make me cry! It wasn't so bad when we knew she was sitting happily on the bus and falling asleep but I don't like to think of her unhappy for so long without anybody who really knows her. I guess we will have to monitor it and see how it goes. I have a busy time at work this week so Dawn is going to be left to do everything. Unfortunately it can't be avoided but I had a word with Josh this evening and I am sure he will be the responsible, helpful big brother. We have got quite a nice weekend to look forward to. We are going to a fund raising event for Bethany's soft play area on Saturday night which will give me and Dawn some more selfish time, Yay!

13Sep07 - Another Busy Day

I got to take Lucy to school again today which was great. We arrived much too early because Joshua had to be at school early to go on a school trip to York. Lucy sat with me in the front of the car while we waited in the school car park. We sang and car danced to the radio for at least half an hour and she was really getting into it until she flopped forward and headbutted the steering wheel. Naughty Dad should have seen that coming. We had floods of tears for the next ten minutes but I don't think she was really hurt that much. Over the last couple of months she has really perfected the sympathy cry which soon develops into the angry, give me more attention cry if you don't offer enough sympathy. Dawn and me find it quite amusing because she has got such a "stamp your feet" temper when she gets going, I guess just like any other 3 year old girl. We finally made friends again just as Hayley arrived with Lucy's best friend Laila. We paraded them into school (it feels like that because of all the attention they both get) and they were the first to arrive in the classroom. They were straight out of their buggies and on to the resonance board. They lie on it to hear and feel amplified sounds made on the board by rattles, bells etc. and they both love it. We left them their safe in the knowledge that they would not have a dull moment for the next 3 or so hours. Lucy had a full day today as she was taken by the school bus from school to nursery for the afternoon for more fun and play. Today was the first day that we did not have to take a car seat for Lucy as the transport services have now got the right straps for her buggy and she can be wheeled onto the bus. Apparently she was awake and in a good mood most of the day so hopefully she will have a good nights sleep. When I took her up to bed, I picked her up and Dawn and Joshua both said goodnight and she gave as all some lovely smiles. A nice way to end the day.

11Sep07 - Fairfield School

Lucy's Peg

Just Arrived

Messy Play

Laila getting stuck in

Gorgeous Girls

It was lovely to be able to take Lucy into school again this morning. The school has this happy atmosphere and you know that the kids are going to have a lot of fun. I took a few pictures of Lucy and Laila who both look so cute in their little uniforms. It was also the first time I saw Lucy's little peg...big lump in my throat. So many people have said that Lucy and Laila could be twins, it is great that they are in the same class and probably will be for a long time. I am sure that they will really come on quickly with all the stimulation they are getting. We could never do the same at home. Every single teacher and member of staff seem to have boundless energy and I have not met anyone yet who isn't smiling. They really see the children as children which seems a funny thing to say but you get so worn down by the sympathetic looks and comments, that it is like a breath of fresh air to meet people who can genuinely see beyond the disabilities. These are beautiful little children with their own personalities, habits, likes and dislikes. They will grow and develop in their own ways just like any other child and have got so much to offer soceity if they are given the chance. At Fairfield School (www.fairfieldschool.co.uk) they are being given that chance. I wish more people from the outside could experience the schools approach to life and be educated to be more accepting of things which are not part of their normal experience.

04Sep07 - First Day at School

Lucy and Josh getting ready for school


Lucy looking cute with her pigtails


Lucy and Laila with their matching buggies


Ready for some hard work on the computer


Josh and Lucy after a hard day

It was pretty hectic this morning as it was a new routine for us gettting two children ready for school. Lucy was as good as gold and didn't even complain too much when Dawn did her pigtails. We dropped Josh off first but he didn't want us to get out of the car (Its not cool to be walked into school by your parents anymore). We then waited at Lucy's school for her best friend Laila to arrive so that they could go in together. I have to admit to feeling slightly emotional. The school staff gave the children an amazing welcome and ushered us in to the school. After taking Lucy to her classroom and making sure she was ok (Don't know why she wouldn't have been) it was time to leave, childless. It was really quite strange.

We did have a minor hickup with transport. Lucy is supposed to be taken home by the school bus at lunchtime. We were concerned about her travelling on the bus but decided in the end that it would be ok and it will give Dawn at least an extra hour every day. However we got a phone call from the school at about 12:30 to say that the transport company had not realised that Lucy was in a chair and were expecting her to be in a car seat. This meant Dawn had to rush up to the school to pick her up and her teacher had to miss her lunch while she sat with Lucy. The excuse from the transport company was that they did not have any straps to strap Lucy's chair down. For a company that specialises in transporting people in wheel chairs you would think that they might carry spares.

They day still ended well. Lucy and Josh came home happy and Lucy especially looked worn out. Hope you like the photos.

03Sep07 - School Tomorrow

Lucy seemed a little better today although she must still be feeling a bit tender. She still went to Nursery all day without any problems. Joshua spent the last day of the holidays watching some dvd's that he bought with his holiday money. He is excited about school tomorrow as he will be head boy. It is Lucy's first day at school tommorow. Dawn has bought her a little grey dress, white shirt and a pink rucksack. I will put a photo on tomorrow's blog. Her best friend Laila Brown also starts tomorrow at the same school so it will be lovely to see them both together. Both Dawn and myself will take Joshua and Lucy to school tomorrow which has worked out really well. Lucy's school is a brand new state of the art special school. She has been attending nusery sessions there every Friday for a while and we have got to know the staff and teachers quite well. It must be a daunting prospect for many parents in our situation taking their children to special school for the first time. Fortunately Dawn got herself involved with the school very early and it is clear that there is no better place for Lucy. In fact we are fortunate that we have such a good school in our area. There is a link to the school's website under "Links". Lucy will just be going in the mornings for the first 18 months but will also be going to her old nusery for two afternoons as well. We don't want Lucy to lose the contact and interaction she gets from being around the children at her "mainstream" nursery. Dawn is looking forward to getting some of her own time back as she has been totally immersed in caring for Lucy, going to appointments, doing physio, listening to people tell her what to do with Lucy etc, etc for the last 3 years. People outside our very different world cannot appreciate what a drain the constant stream of hospital appointments and home visits is on your energy and emotions. I have been constantly guilty of overlooking the day to day stresses that Dawn has been under from my detached position as the father who goes out to work. It is not only the fact that there are so many people offering advice, from Physiotherapists, Doctors, Play Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Dieticians, Family, Friends and strangers, it is the feeling of guilt when there is not enough time or energy in the day to do all the things you are supposed to do. Dawn has coped brilliantly with all this and has carried more than her fair share of the burden. It is great that she can now look forward to getting some of her life back, having time to herself, going horse riding, having time to relax and think about herself for change. Lucy will also benefit from a little of her own independance. Tomorrow is a big day!