Journey

On Saturday Sean and our sons were together for Sam’s stag party, ahead of his wedding to Caitlyn at the end of October.  The day was spent clay bird shooting, lunching at Butler’s Reef Oakura and warring with paintballs at Actionaki (Sean took no prisoners).  Sean, Rory and Colt split for home but the others made a pub crawl home from Opunake in a van.  I have seen incriminating videos of shots from belly buttons and an undie run down a main street.  Sam is feeling very much worse for wear today.  It was great for the boys spend time together having fun and celebrating with Sam.  Time together making memories matters. 

Sean and I took Colt, Arana and Reid for a walk in Te Papakura o Taranaki from Stratford Plateau to Tahurangi Lodge, across the new 100m swing bridge at Manganui gorge.  It is 49.5m above the gorge floor and designed to withstand the strong winds and changeable weather in the subalpine environment.  The balustrade panes were designed by Ngati Ruanui and depict various phases of an avalanche.  Even with the Terrain Hopper we won’t be able to get Rory to the ski field due to the steps.  We are hoping to get him to the bridge with Sean and I as direct support. 

Unfortunately Rory’s back pain continues especially during bending movements.  To manage this we are using medication and a heat pack.  I have emailed the Orthopaedic surgeon.  Rory had a visit from OT Dianne and Physio Josh.  They are looking into a brace and modifying his exercise programme. 

On Thursday morning Rory completed his final session with Peter at NP Men's Shed for 2024.  Peter is taking a break for the summer to focus on his other love, birding.  Rory will miss him and looks forward to his return in the new year.  Sean and I attended Auntie Olly’s funeral, along with Nana Honnor, Guy & Corbyn.  The Honnor family was together again in grief.  Auntie Mary is now the last remaining sibling on Poppa’s side (RIP Peggy, Harry, John Poppa and Olly).