I have not logged for quite a while due not only to my continuing niggling ptt but also to a major life upset. My new beautiful baby grandson was taken ill at 6 weeks old and dugnised with a rare congenital kidney condition. I flew back to NZ from the Uk on the first flight I could get and we were all airlifted to the children's hospital in Auckland where we have been for the last 3 weeks. Thankfully he has been stabilised and although he will need regular albumin infusions and probably a kidney transplant we are optimistic he will pull through. Amazingly, or perhaps predictably, running is helping both my daughter and I get through this. The Starship hospital is right next to a beautiful park called the Domain, which has a measured mile running circuit called the Peace Mile around the edge. We have been taking it in turns to bumble around this route two or three times every other morning while the other is on bedside watch and it has been our salvation.
No Manchester marathon for me this year, but running isn't just about big goals. It is also about sustenance for the soul.
I hope to rejoin the forum when we come out on the other side of this. In the meantime, best wishes to all of you x
(the pic is from my run around the Domain this morning with the Auckland sky tower in the distance.)
Written by
turnturtle
Marathon
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I love the photograph it looks beautiful...but what very a very distressing time you have had.
I really empathise with you.. we have a beautiful new Granddaughter born in October and I can imagine the worry and upset that you are feeling. She had a few issues, but nothing as serious as your small one, and I know the heartache and sleepless nights those caused us all.
So small, they make us feel so helpless to make everything alright. Thank goodness for the developments in the Medical Profession.
Thank goodness, also, your small one is stabilised and seems to be making progress towards a recovery.
Sustenance for the soul... exactly. It is one of the main reasons that I run. It does have this power to release our inner turmoil and recharge us physically and mentally.
You and your family will be in my thoughts and my heart, especially the small one...may he have the strength and determination, with all your love and support, to come through this x
I think we are well on our way out of the slough of despond Oldfloss. Ted is alive and thanks to the incredible medical staff, is looking at the possibility of a pretty normal life. We have also learned what is really important in life and what a waste of time it is to 'sweat the small stuff' thanks for your thoughts.x
Oh TT, I am so sorry for you and all your family it is difficult time. The only words of comfort that I can give is seeing the way the hospital got me and mr Rfc ready for our kidney transplant/donor operations has left me in awe of these wonderful people who look after the whole family at times like these with care, compassion and consideration. Your team will be working in the sidelines getting everything done that is needed. Use your runs to destress it will be invaluable for you all as you will have that extra bit of support to share afterwards, much love and hugs Rfc xxx.
Gosh I had no idea you had been through the donor/transplant scenario rfc. For us,we hope it will be some time in the future but knowing others who have come through it makes it much less scary. We have been so impressed by the skill and humanity of the staff here (there is a serious competition amongst the doctors and nurses as to who can elicit the most smiles from Teddy) .in addition the Ronald Macdonald house provides 5star free accommodation for the parents and caters if sick children. We are truly humbled by the kindness people show. And the responses from you lovely forumites just adds to the warm fuzzies we are feeling right now.
Very sorry to hear about your family illness. - and probably not the right time to wax too philosophically about things But - running can be/is sustenance to the soul - but it can also become an addiction. There is a very fine line between good and bad. Our running is important to us - but it's importance is definitely finite and is exceeded by other life considerations.
We run at the moment, not because it's an addiction we can't escape Baz, but because , however little we feel like it, we know exercise is good for our bodies and mental outlook, as is healthy eating. This is going to be a very long haul and feeling sorry for ourselves and neglecting our own welfare is going to do Ted no favours.
My goodness, that is so traumatic and stressful for all of your family. That is so good you were able to fly over to be with them all.... its so true, running takes many forms and sustenance for the soul is one of its biggest advantages I think... my thoughts go to you and your family.... thankyou for sharing with us XX
Sorry to hear of your worrying news TT! You are quite right though, keeping yourself in good order, whilst giving yourself an outlet and a bit of space from hospital, is a good idea.That park looks amazing!
Fingers crossed that your little fella will feel much better soon. It's such a gut-wrenching time isn't it when the youngsters are ill. You'd do anything for it NOT to be them. Big hug TT! x
Oh, cripes. Sending you healing hugs. Grandparents get the double whammy in these situations - you worry about your child, son-in-law AND grandchild. My parents were in your position when my oldest child went through open heart surgery - I'm so grateful that they were there, as I wouldn't have managed without their presence and support. So thumbs up to you, sweetie. I'm sure that a hospital called the Starship is absolutely awesome and hopefully has Scotty, Spock and gang wandering around the corridors in their lycra PJs to make life more exciting for the patients.
Thank you for your thoughts. Open heart surgery would have been such a trauma for you all. Yes, I guess it has all been pretty stressful here in a grandparently way but I was so pleased I was able to come over to support them. The good news is that we have been discharged from Starship ( no Spock but transporter like lifts and an amazing futuristic design) and have been allowed home for the weekend! There will be daily meds and thrice weekly hospital transfusions for the foreseeable future but we are on the way out of the nightmare.
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But - running can be/is sustenance to the soul - but it can also become an addiction. There is a very fine line between good and bad. Our running is important to us - but it's importance is definitely finite and is exceeded by other life considerations. 
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