Mental strength
It is hard to quantify and comprehend the strength of mind required to live Rory’s life. There are continuous challenges and pressures. Rory must have an incredible amount of mental strength. He achieves more than people think is possible with minimal complaint. He wants to be active out in the community living a great life. Today, assisted by Sean and I, he accomplished the return walk to Manganui gorge suspension bridge, on Taranaki Maunga, with our friends the Poole’s. On the return journey his body started to fail him. He had minimal control over his legs and was exhausted. I was glad to see the Stratford plateau where our vehicle was parked.
Back pain has become an almost constant companion for Rory. Massage provides very temporary relief. His life is challenging enough without suffering daily pain. I have spoken with ACC and he has been referred to see a Pain Management Specialist in July. We have come to an agreement with ACC on the outcome of the Support Needs assessment, which comes into effect from 3rd March.
Rory has had an appointment with Talk link – to see if assistance technology could aid communication. His speech has become increasingly difficult to understand. I think he has reduced control of his tongue which is numb on one side from surgery. Rory had a couple of jabs; his four monthly testosterone injection and a Covid booster. Rory and Colt spent an evening with the Canteen Taranaki crew trying their hand at resin art at The Collaboration.
In the last few weeks we have scattered Poppa Honnor’s ashes in the sea offshore from his beloved surf life saving club. Uncle Guy drove IRB, with Nana, Sam and I. As we sat on the water I felt dad/Poppa there. It was sad but also an opportunity for release to find a little more peace with his passing. Afterwards we had dinner at NP Club, Poppa’s old haunt. Nana, Guy and I had our photo taken outside. It feels strange to see only three of us in the image, our family had been four for 48 years. We miss you dad xox