Hi everyone

The first part of today's update was dictated by Dad and the second is my  more detailed overview of how Dad is.

"I've moved from Intensive Care to the 3rd floor where the atmosphere is much more relaxed, however the staff levels are also a lot smaller so if you want anything done, it's a half hour wait at best. They do try but they have too much to do.

I'm thrilled to have a visit from my daughter, Natalie, who is writing this blog for me. The next big op is on the 27th, so if that goes well we might be getting somewhere!

Greetings to all and thanks for your messages.

Barrie"

Today's visit was, by chance, so perfectly synchronised with Dad finally leaving Intensive Care which meant that rather than me being able to see him for only two hours or less, I was incredibly fortunate to be his first visitor to be able to stay from 1pm to 7pm (I wasn't able to stay later because of the Eurostar's current timetable disruption!)

Dad was already sitting in the armchair when I arrived and stayed there for the longest time so far, to about 4.30pm.  Although I saw Dad just a couple of weeks ago, I have to say I was still really taken aback by how thin and drawn he has become. It's hard to conceive how someone as physically strong as Dad could suddenly become so seemingly vulnerable and frail. Until recently the considerable swelling which Dad suffered from his oedemas masked this very deceptively.    

Dad continues to have regular bouts of being overcome with emotion but fortunately he doesn't try to suppress this as he completely understands that this is a process he must just go along with at the moment in order to mentally heal and to avoid long term psychological problems.

Despite all this, we soaked up each other's company, with Dad having many stories to tell about a diversity of subjects and, intermittently, Dad listened keenly to 10 pages of your latest messages that I'd printed from the blog pages! He really is so touched by the astounding level of support from you all, so thank you so very much.   

Poor Dad certainly isn't embracing the concept of hospital food, but this may be because his tastebuds are distorting flavours because it's so long since he's eaten properly.  Having said that, another M&S raspberry jelly went down well, along with some of their shortbread biscuits and a few grapes!   

Whist Dad is doing really well with his recovery, he is inevitably finding it unimaginably frustrating that his complete lack of strength and mobility have stripped him of the simplest level of independence.  This though, is bound to be a powerful driving force for him throughout his physical rehabilitation via  physiotherapy.  He hopes to be able start this as soon as it is practical after next week's orthopaedic reconstructive surgery to his leg.

All in all, it was really lovely to have an intensive block of time with Dad today and I felt very close to him. None of us forget how lucky we are to still have him with us and it's something that stays in the forefront of our minds, in particular during visits. I am really looking forward to Dad's further and ongoing progress, but just wish we had a magic wand to make it all happen without the emotional and physical battles that still lie ahead for him! There is no doubt in my mind that Dad will be just fine, generally, in time. He's doing brilliantly and I'm very, very proud of him!

It was a long visit with a lot of insight into Dad's current situation, so I'm afraid I've gassed on a bit. I hope someone out there is still awake!!!!!

Thanks once again to you all for the mountain of support and especially too, to René who so kindly regularly gives his time and fills in the gaps by visiting Dad when we can't be there.

Dad is now looking forward to Max's visit on Friday.

Love
Nat
xxx