Measuring quality of life
Yesterday we attended the Taranaki Whanau Sports Day organised by Parafed Taranaki and the Halberg Trust. At the event there was inspiration in bucket loads. The children and young people with disabilities were giving the different sports their all, physically, mentally and emotionally. They were challenging themselves and laughing with joy while they did it. I remember having a conversation with Dr Kath about what would change for Rory if we went ahead with the second round of cancer treatment, and how we measure quality of life. This measure expands when you factor in a disability, and it keeps on expanding. I think it is almost infinite. The young people present yesterday are faced with an almost overwhelming number of challenges. With courage and tenacity they are living life to the fullest and happy about it. It is very humbling and pretty incredible. The benefit of Rory’s training at Next Level Fitness was evident as he powered his way to win a race on the rowing machine. I have registered Rory for the Halberg Games, a 3-day national sports competition for young people at the end of April. It is in Auckland. It will be Rory’s first time so I hope it will be able to go ahead.
Rory continues to settle into a routine. He attends school until the middle of the day, has lunch then works out at the gym. On Wednesday morning he and Natasha volunteer at Conductive Education and this week he attended Riding for Disabled for the first ride in 2021. Tomorrow Rory (and I) are supposed to be going to camp in Wellington for Te Awhinatia students (Learning Centre) at Inglewood High. The change in Covid19 alert levels last night has raised the risk involved and this morning I was on the phone to Mr Cripps, the Special Needs Co-ordinator. We are hoping the camp will still go ahead. The students are very much looking forward to it. Sean and I have talked about the risk to Rory and we are comfortable with making a start. I will take it one day at a time and come home if I think it is necessary.
Sean and I managed to sneak off for an afternoon together to walk to Maud Peak, Pouakai Range, Te Papakura o Taranaki. It was a hot climb but the view was amazing. In the forest we were treated to multiple Rifleman up close. Grannie and Grandad Gardiner stayed with us for a couple of days for a work-related visit. It is always lovely to see them.