Journey

‘The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever’  (Jacques Cousteau)

When Rory and I swim it is a sign we have disconnected from reality, discarding the daily burdens we carry.  Even though we both love the water, and are like fish, we often opt out of swimming.  The hassle of getting changed, accessing the water, and redressing and managing gear afterwards, overwhelm our desire to swim.  We are also both sensitive to the cold and often irritated by the salt water and sand.  We have been away in Waihi and Rory and I were in the water most days.  It was awesome.  Swimming is therapeutic and there is always something new to take away from the experience; the sand dollars, crabs and starfish at Anzac Bay, the isolation of Shelley Beach and the release of physical tension as a result of a soak in a wooden tub in the natural soda springs at Te Aroha Mineral Spa. 

Our family seized the opportunity to sneak away for a short break out of the region and I’m glad we did.  We made lots of memories.  The highlights were the; Waihi beach market, Pit Rim Walk at Martha mine in the rain, kayaking in the harbour, Haiku and Uretara Estuary walkways in Katikati, Turama Ahi pottery and Railway tunnel loop at Karangahake Gorge (tunnel was opened in 1905 and is 1086m long).  I also caught up with my very special friend Sam and her family.  Thank you for letting us stay at your AirBnB in Athenree https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/47059930?guests=1&adults=1

Even though we were only away for a moment the world tilted while we were gone.  Omicron was discovered in the community so we have all had to change how we live our lives.  I am trying to suppress the fear I feel for Rory about Omicron.  Treatment for cancer and steroid dependency means Rory is at increased risk of becoming more unwell from coronavirus and having complications.  We are watching daily developments closely and plan on closing our bubble when cases rise.  Thankfully Colt has had his first immunisation. 

Since December we have tried to maximise Rory’s time out in the community with Tash, Jo and Peter.  The activities he is involved in greatly increase his quality of life.  He has also been a regular at the gym with Dane.  Neurologist Dr Neil commented at an appointment this month that Rory is strong but his deficits with balance and co-ordination are marked. 

Thank you Sam and Caitlyn for looking after Fern, and Nana and Poppa Honnor for looking after Opal, while we were away.