Author: Steve Antipolo

Firstly, we are relying on those letters from you dear friends and family. We need to disprove what didn’t happen. There is an assumption floating around that Zoey wasn’t care for very well at home which was behind her presentation at the hospital and possibly her UTI.

They are trying to play down any thought that it might be an accusation but, at the same time they do describe it is a fact finding mission to make sure that the environment and care at home is suitable for Zoey. Now, to me that’s clearly saying they don’t believe the care she was getting was good enough but apparently they feel the two things are not the same.

This is why we need your input to tell them very politely, with great respect and understanding, what you think of our ability care for Zoey, whether she seemed happy at home or not. I am not going to tell you what to say, I want this to be your own words. Obviously if I thought you were going to write something negative I’d not be asking but, you must decide what you send in.

We spoke with the Care Manager the other day, she made it clear she wanted to reduce the budget Zoey currently gets, the hospital are horrified, they want it increased. I’ve asked nicely that whilst they argue it out can they not leave Zoey vulnerable where she is. There were other things sickening about what she passed on but I don’t want to mention them here because it will make this too long.

It is clear that the hospital did break the law on the 72 hours discharge rule. They tried to cover it up and fudge it but basically they forgot to pass the song book around and were not operating from the same one. I am prepared to let that go because of the concessions I achieved this morning.

I was in meetings from 10 – 1:15 both in person and on the phone without a break. They have agreed to have a professionals meeting on Thursday during which they will agree a discharge date. I have assurances from the hospital managers that they are going to fight our corner. I’ve told them I am willing to take them at their word. I honestly believe that dealing with things efficiently if informally is always quicker than going through official channels. They all indicated agreement that Zoey most likely is now ready to go home with an improved package and they will insist on the Care Manager providing that in a timely manner.

They have voice this is, in their way of thinking, next week but, reading reactions and body language I suspect we are looking more at the following week. For reasons I am not discussing in public, that is not the best timing, next week is far more preferred.

So, pens to paper, they must have these letters by Thursday morning at the latest. It might still be useful after that but by then would really make a difference.

The hospital said no … actually, one consultant said no, one who has barely met her at all who is going on advice from what he has read of what she was like at her worst when she was admitted.

I can report that Zoey herself now seems to be 100% back to being Zoey.

That said, she is deeply unhappy because she cannot understand why they won’t let her go home. The consultant is taking her unhappiness as a sign of depression and wants to persist with medication for depression! So, try and solve her unhappiness there by medicating so she what? Gets used to it there and just accepts it? I don’t think so, you aint experimenting on my daughter mate!

There is a lot more I could write but I suspect a clearer picture will emerge tomorrow so I shall wait until then.

Keep sending those letters in if you feel inclined, they need to know at the hospital that we are a strong and loving family and that there is no evidence at all for any question mark over her safety at home.

For over 5 months now, me and Dennis have spoken every day. I don’t think we’ve missed a day yet. Sometimes we don’t manage our several hour long sessions on Skype, occasionally it’s just a quick Viber conversation or text chat but we always communicate somehow.

True, some of those times are like hospital visits, neither of us quite knowing what to say, that’s the problem with the distance, those are the time when we both really just want to hug but, how does that communicate over technology?

Of course, I’ve totally no idea what Dennis sees in me. I’m stressed more often than not, I rearrange our slots online, cut them short, invite the family along, take him someone else for the chat. I’ve ballooned, I think, since he first saw me. When I get stressed, I eat and, when I eat I get bigger ‘almost’ everywhere! But, I do love him, there is something special about Dennis. Beyond his good looks and his amazing smile he is just this amazing person with a great sense of humour, some honest humility and vulnerability. He’s got confidence where it is needed. He’s intelligent .. wait, I am going to start repeating myself here! No one could be more proud than me when he sings, I don’t care if he wins the 2017 XFactor or never does more than sing in the shower, as long as I can hear him then I am happy. Of course, the more happy Dennis is the happier I am.

We’ve got some struggles ahead the two of us but, as Dennis said, together we can do it.

Even on my most stressed out days, one smile from Dennis and I know I can cope.

I am both excited and scared of finally meeting … at long last! (when we do)

Just now I can cope (just) not being physically in the same place but, once I know how it feels, wow, how can I walk away from that?

No way can I imagine a future without him and the future with him seems to very clear to me.

Yes, this is a little embarrassing maybe, soppy, maybe but some people worry they will never find someone to get old with, I really, really feel that I have and I don’t ever want to forget how blessed I am.

<3

I am amazed
When I look at you
I see you smiling back at me
It’s like all my dreams come true

I am afraid
If I lost you now
I’d fall through the cracks
And lose me track in this crazy lonely world

Sometimes it’s so hard to believe
When the nights can be so long
And faith gave me the strength
And kept me going on

You are the love of my life
And I’m so glad you found me
You are the love of my life
Baby put your arms around me

I guess this is how it feels
When you finally find something real
My angel in the night
You are my love
The love of my life

I feel guilty because I didn’t get to see Zoey today. It must be so scary for her and difficult to trust anyone. We’ve all but told her she’ll be coming home yet no one visited today. Of course, had we gone we’d still have had to leave her there and perhaps that might have been worse than not going at all, who knows?

Today I’ve been getting some help from a friend to put a stronger case for Zoey’s release should they deny her the right to come home by Monday. I knew most of it but, even so, having someone else write it all up and to act as a sounding board and come up with the same conclusions as me is comforting.

Today I passed on visiting the hospital as I’d not have been strong enough to cope if Zoey got upset. Yes, that’s selfish, I know this but I don’t want her to feel my nervousness as to whether she is coming home or not. Yesterday we all managed to be so positive and that’s how I want her to carry on feeling.

It feels like I am not likely to get completely over the bug I had for a while yet, I’ve felt a little feverish today on top of my cold, I really just want to go to bed if I am honest.

There is only one option to not coping and that’s giving up and I don’t like to do that, I’ve rarely got to the point where I had to and I don’t relish the thought of having to do it again, I am not in that mindset.

I am very grateful to all those who have been are remain supporting me and the rest of the family, it is much appreciated. It’s tough not just on me but on everyone who cares about Zoey not least Zoey herself.