13th April 2015

Hello all, It’s been a big couple of weeks with Gerard coming home for Easter. We all had an enjoyable roast lunch with our family and lots of chocolate. We treated the nurses to an Easter Egg hunt on 3 North before we left and then again when we got back, just so the afternoon shift didn’t miss out! Both of us were exhausted on Monday but it was well worth the effort. Yesterday we attended the Youth League Men’s game at Warrandyte Basketball Stadium, Max and Zac’s current team. It was a full on day and the first time that we have been out in a place where we have known people. Gerard really enjoyed catching up with everyone and seeing the team play. Today he had a grin from ear to ear whenever asked about his day out and how the team went. Thanks to Andrea for coming as back up and to Mark for helping us find a position in the stadium which allowed Gerard to see the whole court without sitting too close to the sidelines. We also had our goal setting meeting last week with the doctor, social worker, physio, OT, Nursing staff. They are amazed and in awe as to how many goals Gerard has already achieved- one he has done twice (have a coffee at the kitchen table at home) He will continue his rehab, education packages, working towards other outings and getting back into the community over the next couple of months. We also now work towards finalising his wheelchair prescription, trialling some more equipment and getting organised to leave. There are not many people in the world that survive the injuries that Gerard has sustained (C1,2 & 3 fractures with spinal cord injury.) I thank Helen and Hugh as well as Emma every day for being there when we needed them the most in that first 16 minutes (and next few hours). We are so lucky to have the opportunity to spend time with Gerard; to enjoy his sense of humour, his great ideas and enthusiasm and determination; his knowledge on education and now spinal research! Every day is a bonus and we work towards enjoying them all. Thanks to you all for being our supporters J Sue, Gerard, Max and Zac