Hello Lovely People!
Here we are again at the beginning of a new month, and here I am again reflecting on the month just past.
March has felt as if Spring is starting to arrive as we have had warmer, sunnier days, and the birds have got more vocal and daffodils have bloomed.
Obviously, I’m a few days late, but…
Here are some magical moments from our March
1. The beginning of March saw Cerys, two of her carers and myself going to a Taylor Swift Tribute band at our local theatre. As tickets, and particularly tickets for those with disabilities, were notoriously difficult to get to see the real person in concert, and this was a much cheaper option (!), this was the next best thing. I wasn’t prepared for how much screaming there was Lol! For the young girls there, it must have felt like they were close to their idol. The concert was very good, and I didn’t realise how many Taylor Swift songs I knew well enough to sing along to. The joy and excitement in the room was palpable and the whole theatre seemed to enjoy themselves, including us. Cerys loved it and we all had such a good time. If, like us, it is unlikely that you will ever get to see the real person live then Taylormania is a great alternative.
2. A few days later we were back at the same theatre for a young relative’s showcase featuring youngsters from local schools who go to an afterschool club where they take part in musical theatre numbers, various forms of dance and cheerleading. Megan is 10 and it was a thrill for Cerys and I to see her perform and all the hard work that had gone into the show.
3. This month I have attended my first Carer’s Partnership meeting as part of my new role as a Parent Carer Rep. The meeting includes Carer Reps, and various other representatives from the Local Authority and Health services – those who provide services, and those who receive services. It was a fast paced meeting with multiple agenda items discussed, including a look at the recent report from Carer’s UK, The State of Caring 2025, highlighting the challenges carers in the UK face on a daily basis. Attending this meeting is one of a number I am starting to become involved in, and I’m hoping I will be a good Representative and influence change in a system that isn’t always kind to carers and those they care for.
4. In March I also had another appointment to review my pacemaker, and when it will need to be changed. I have previously written about how much of a juggle it is to try to manage this operation alongside my daughter’s imminent Intrathecal Baclofen pump change:
My Beating Heart
Last week I went to the hospital to have my pacemaker checked. It’s an annual ritual ever since I had it installed nearly 12 years ago.
If you read my notes, you will have seen that I’m pleased that there is finally a plan – with myself being listed and should have my procedure in May / June, followed by Cerys’ in August. By that time, I should be fully recovered so will be able to support and care for her post op. Wish us luck that nothing throws a spanner into the works and ruins the plan! Lol!
So now I would love to hear about your magical moments…
Thanks, Donna. I'm imagining you surrounded by screaming girls and then giving in and scream-singing along with them! Sounds like a lot of fun.
It's good to hear that someone as experienced as yourself is a Parent Carer Rep at the local council, Carer's Partnership. I'd be interested to hear more about how it works with your local council and the roles/format - if you're allowed to share that? I know the mobilise organisation works with councils to identify carers, and that there is some coproduction with social care but I'm ignorant about how councils engage with carers.
Sending you prayers and best wishes for both operations and plans.