First news from Hamilton

Hi Everyone.

Thought you'd like to know we're home safe and sound. I can't believe how good it is to be here.

The flight back was uneventful thankgoodness, and the low profile roho was brilliant, no marks on butt and his head not going through the lockers. Like all good mothers with 'babe' home for first day, I felt much better when I'd unpacked dry dressings into one place, med's into another etc - found homes for everything, with unlike a new babe, Tim directing all choices. And carer Victoria (nice 1st yr OT) getting first choice with setting up things in her domain. As usual my usually unspoken sad feelings go something like "why does Tim have to have any of this stuff in the first place?".

Earlier this week I hurriedly arranged a surprise party to welcome Tim home on Friday night. Unfortunately Phil told Mark (the motel owner) about it in earshot of Tim. Phil forgot Tim was sitting behind him. Yes there's one in every family!! But Tim graciously acknowledged his moment of surprise in hearing it from Phil. We had a great turnout. Everyone did finger food and bought drinkies. And my friend Catherine helped me get ready. I did get asthma though, prob from the dust with lots of people in a confined space, as it was so wet outside.

Tim had a good weekend, with late starts to the day (whats new) and caught up his friends in the evening. He's pushed himself across the road, through a large carpark and round the supermarket with his carer to get his groceries. And bought a dish at Briscoes for macaroni cheese and lasagne!

He's also had a Nissan van delivered on Thurs afty as arranged, and were taught how to strap him down. All good and way better than taxis. Though the platform at the back has seized and we're back to taxis for a day or two. Tim and Robert have asked themselves to have dinner with us tonight. 'Grandma chops' - that means they are crumbed like how my Mum does them!

Thanks zillions to you all for going way beyond the call of duty. I feel blessed to have met each one of you. Love to anyone who asks and feel free to pass the news on.

Love Viv