Journey

The sibling bond is one of the most important relationships which we can develop.  Our siblings stay with us through the journey of life, as opposed to our parents who leave us too soon and our partners and children who come to us part the way through.  Cancer has affected the relationship between Rory and his brothers.  This morning Rory and Colt had a fight only moments after Sean and I left the room.  It was about nothing but the fall out left us all upset and angry.  Rory’s impairments mean he is unable to participate in ‘normal’ activities with his older brother Sam.  When Rory is with Sam the activities have to be modified and Sam has to take on a heightened level of responsibility.  Sam has more of a sibling-type bond with Caitlyn’s brothers Jayde and Corey.  Rory’s intellectual impairments mean he exhibits behaviour on the autism spectrum.  His extraordinary sensitivity means he is bothered by the sounds Colt makes and his energetic persona.  His attachment to objects means he is extremely territorial and gets angry when Colt goes into his room or sits in his chair at the table.  Rory’s lack of sensitivity means it doesn’t reach him when Colt is hurt by his behaviour.  It is sad for Sean and I to see.  It can also be a challenge to manage at times. 

Sean and Rory stayed an extra couple of days in Dannevirke with Grannie and Grandad Gardiner.  Rory’s balance and mobility have become a barrier to him participating in activities in the community so they were quiet days for him.  We have had the entrance to our house covered with a canopy.  Inglewood is a wet place in winter.  We are tired of struggling in and out of the house with Rory and the walker in bad weather.  Our entrance way will now stay dry which is better for everyone.  This week Rory had his annual appointment with Neurologist Dr Neil Anderson.  There is nothing new in terms of treatment to improve Rory’s cerebellar ataxia.  Dr Neil as always is impressed with how strong Rory is from the gym sessions.  Thankfully life will return to normal when school and WITT start again tomorrow.  We are on the count down until Christmas and I’m aware the time will fly.  This morning Colt and I snuck out for a couple of hours to walk in the green along the York Road Loop track on the lower slopes of Taranaki maunga.  I needed it.