Happy Birthday Rory
Today is Rory’s birthday. He has been alive for 23 years which is remarkable. It is testament to modern medicine, humans inherent drive for survival, Rory’s resilience and the love and support of his family and our wider network. Happy 23rd birthday Rory! Every year is a milestone. A mark of time well lived which we didn’t think you would have. We are very proud of your bravery and determination to live a great life.
As for the last 16 years things medical are a regular feature in Rory’s week. He has had a couple of massages at Mihi’s place, a Rongoa Maori healing clinic, to help reliever the pain in his back. We had a phone call with the plastic surgeon in Christchurch who is going to assist with an operation to reposition his right cochlear implant in May. Rory spoke with Psychologist Daniel, and Sean took him to an endocrine appointment with Dr Sharma. He had to repeat a blood test because he may need a dose adjustment to his medication. Dr Sharma is reluctant to restart maintenance dose (adult) growth hormone because of the potential cancer risk.
Rory’s enjoys his social activities. We went for a walk around Pukekura Park with the WHILL and Nana on a mobility scooter for the first time. With Deanne he shook the bucket outside Mitre 10 for a couple of hours for the Child Cancer Foundation (CCF) annual appeal. Rory spent an evening/night with Shelley, Sam & Caitlyn as Sean and I attended the beautiful wedding of our very good friend Mandy to the lovely Sandra. It was a wonderful treat to have lunch with Auntie Teri and Uncle Graham who made a brief visit across the ditch from Australia.
This fortnight we have also felt sadness. My cousin David (Uncle David to the boys) passed away in the Virgin Islands. He was our very own Indiana Jones and the best tour guide for Americarna when he was here for one of his visits to Aotearoa. Yesterday was Poppa Honnor’s birthday. The first time we haven’t be able to celebrate with him. His absence created a lump in my throat. We are all thinking of you dad xox