Daily small improvements

Every day I notice small improvements in Ian’s condition. The scar (about fifteen inches long, all down his chest and abdomen) has healed well, and every day he does a little more. Yesterday he had his first short walk around the Close where we live. It’s only about a hundred yards, but he made it once in the morning and again in the afternoon.

Today’s achievements are two-fold. This morning he cut his toenails (OK, I did rather screw up my face at the thought of that particular job) but it was such an effort that he had to lie on the bed again afterwards.

Later this morning he decided to walk to the shop and back. The shop is a two-minute walk away in normal times, but for him it was twenty minutes. I was just about to go out and look for him when he staggered through the door looking grey. I think it was a little too ambitious, but at least he made it.

Tonight I’m going out to choir practice. It will be the first time I’ve left him alone, but I think he’ll be fine. Tomorrow I’m going to spend an hour at the church fete (signing books) and on Sunday will drive into Norwich for a slot on Radio Norfolk’s Sunday programme. That’ll take about an hour, all told.

So we’re getting there. Today I resumed some of my writing and am hoping now to write properly – when I’ve done the Christmas cards. That’ll take forever, but I do enjoy Christmas and love receiving cards so really do need to write some.

Sadly, our lovely next door neighbour died last night. He’d had only a short illness, so we’re all a bit stunned by his loss. He’ll be greatly missed. The family have asked me to take the service, which will be a real privilege.

Life is gradually returning to normal – and how precious it seems.