A Troubled Year

Much has happened in 2007 so far and it is difficult to believe that we are nearly half way through the year, it seems just a few days since my son Tom and his wife Bryony were here for Christmas. They live in Brisbane Australia now (I'm not sure if there is another Brisbane or not) so we don't get to see them nearly enough.

Since then though my mother has been taken ill with a fully developed cancer of the spine together with a cancer in her lung. Scans showed that the cancers well very advanced and she was given months to live. Unfortunately she only managed another two weeks before she passed away from us. As an only child I had the responsibility of making all the arrangements for her funeral etc. She was cremated at Gornal Wood crematorium where my father was cremated just over 20 years ago. As you can imagine, or know from personal experience the loss of one's loved mother is a very traumatic experience. I am just glad that she didn't suffer too much at the end.

I have also been spending my time since then working as a supply teacher, mainly involved in supporting staff at Bishop Wulstan school in Rugby, Warwickshire. The school is a small Roman catholic school but is having to close as being not viable. A great pity as it has a caring and understanding staff, working with some vulnerable and difficult students. I have also been involved with home tutoring in Mathemeatics with several students who are unable to attend mainstream school for a variety of reasons, I have found this very fulfilling.

I have been unable to visit Kerverbel this half term as I finally managed to get a long awaited operation on my left knee. The surgeon carried out an Arthroscopy but then did some work on the medial ligaments and on some rough areas of the kneecap. It is a bit sore at the m0ment and I can't drive my van (heavy clutch) but I can manage my automatic car, so I am able to continue working although stairs are a little difficult. Those who know me well know that I live in a bungalow so have no problem with stairs at home.