Journey

Tired is not a word which features in my vocabulary, it never really has.  Tiredness is partly in your mind.  Athletes understand that most of us can keep going after our brains start telling us to stop.  It is no co-incidence two of my friends, who don’t know each other, call me Leigh-bee.  When I left Wild for Taranaki they gave me a silver bee pendant on a chain.  I am a busy bee.  However, lately I have been feeling unnaturally tired.  I am unsure of the cause, whether it is time of year, time of life or workload.  This week marked one year of my return to full-time work.  During the 23 years since Sam was born, I only worked full-time for 18 months, when Rory was 5 years old.  Raising our sons, and Rory’s cancer treatment and subsequent impairments, required a considerable amount of energy and focus.  I didn’t think there would ever be the opportunity to be a career woman again.  Then not one, but two opportunities presented themselves.  For the last year I have really enjoyed doing what I love, managing a team of people and a programme dedicated to improving the environment of Taranaki.  However, I do miss the ‘down time’ during the week which I took for granted.  Working 40 hours + 3 hours of travel time feels a bit too much like being on a mouse wheel.  For my health I make it a priority every day to exercise, even if it means getting up at 4.45am.  As I only get two days ‘off’ in the weekend I cram plenty in which sometimes leaves me starting the week tired.  I’m not sure I have the balance right yet, a four day working week is something I may look to in future.  It doesn’t help not having stimulants in my diet ie. sugar, carbohydrates, coffee and alcohol.  My return to work also coincided with the approval of Rory’s ACC claim.  While we are very grateful ACC ruled in Rory’s favour the different components of the claim, back dated to 2017, have required considerable input i.e. information, organising and attending appointments, providing feedback on reports and fortnightly phone calls with his case worker.  I continue to manage the case, Rory’s medical needs and his Support Carers.  Support Carers are now with Rory five days a week.  Sean has picked up routine appointments, and more of the household chores, which he fits around contract animal pest control.  Even though Sean is officially on duty it seems full time work doesn’t negate the position of mother.  I am still the person the boys, Sean and the Support Carers call when they need something or things go wrong! 

Each week there is something new in our lives.  Rory had a walking assessment with Physio Josh from ACC and picked up the new orthotics for his shoes.  On Friday we wore gumboots for Gumboot Friday to raise funds to provide free and timely counselling for young people.  Colt went Trick or Treating on the Inglewood Trail on Monday and last night attended the Stratford speedway with Sam and Caitlyn which finished with fireworks.  Yesterday morning Colt and I climbed the Kaitake Range to Patuha Trig.  It is warm for early November and the native trees and shrubs are flowering bountifully which gives the forest a sweet smell.