20th July 2015

So a quick update after a busy week. The premier is dropping into see Gerard tomorrow with a couple of television cameras and The Age and The Sun so he could be on the TV tomorrow night and in the paper on Wednesday, I guess depending what other news happens! No idea what the story is about or which channels are attending as this has all come through the Premiers office via the Hospital Communications team. So if you are home tomorrow evening and watching the news do a flick through the channels and you might get to see Gerard. Also if you get the papers on Wednesday have a look for him too. The whole ward is abuzz with excitement! The transition to VASS is well under way. Only Gerard gets to move in there. The boys and myself will stay put in Warrandyte until after Year 12 finishes and then we will reassess. All the trauma brochures advise not to make any major decisions for at least 12 months, so we are only up to 11 and in no hurry to work through any really big issues unless we have to! No news on when Gerard will move- although staff training for VASS staff happens this week and we will visit again tomorrow with the OT to work out what equipment/furniture and other stuff Gerard will need. I think there is also an overnight stay planned. We are about to place the order for Gerard’s wheelchair and commode as we know that he will definitely need these. We have met all of Gerard’s house mates- Alyshia, Mark and James- all aged somewhere between 20 and 29. We had a good chat to Alyshia and Mark on Friday when Susie and I took Gerard over for lunch. Thanks Susie. We are now the owners of a modified vehicle which wasn’t quite the plan yet but the opportunity presented itself. The Kia Grand Carnival Party Van had just the right modifications for Gerard (the really low floor), is 3 years old and only done $23500 kms and at a bargain price compared to the $80,000 for a brand new one! So far we have been to VASS twice, basketball twice- including a game at Hawthorn in the rain (Thank you Di 2 for basketball), out for lunch in Fairfield and a very exciting trip to Vanilla Orchid for a 5.30 dinner (thanks Deb and Pete) so we could have Gerard back by 8.30 (we almost made it getting back at 8.40) Gerard did the sums and if we go out twice a week it works out to be the same costs as a taxi (and far less hassle getting in and out and waiting around!) So far we are averaging 2.5 trips out of the hospital. Gerard is in good spirits, healthy and looking forward to moving on from 3 North as much as everyone is lovely there. It’s not much fun living in a hospital and sticking to the routine! He noticed how quiet and relaxing it is at VASS, no emergency calls and he could hear the Magpies. He is also looking forward to sinking his teeth into more work and having more of a chance to work without interruptions. That’s it for now. Thanks for your continued support. I better get back to work and earn some cash to pay the bills! Love Sue Gerard Max and Zac xxx