Rest or RESPITE

[kenh1]

I am currently in Shropshire having a respite break. Today has been a fine day though there has been a cold wind. So I went out on my bike up and down the Shropshire hills. I have power assistance which helps. I was about 4 miles from getting back to my holiday cottage. But four miles up hill. I was in a bad way, struggling to breathe shaking with the cold. What to do. No phone signal or phone box in sight. I had seen some people gardening. I knocked at the door, they had already seen me, welcomed me with open arms, tea and biscuits, they were from Lancashire 15 miles from my home. They took me back to my cottage. Another lesson learned. 'You have been given a break to rest your weary body' Not to try and recreate your youth. I think Respite should be Restpite just to remind us.

[dollydott]

The kindness of strangers.

You were lucky Ken to find such wonderful people I'm so glad.

Enjoy the rest of your respite and take care.

Lynda 😊

[kenh1 in reply to dollydott]

Yes, and the owner of the converted barn I'm staying in has just been to check I'm alright.

[dollydott in reply to kenh1]

Oh that's just lovely 😊

[Dadshelper]

That was very nice of those folks! Now settle in with a good book or movie and relax.

Ron

[Hidden]

You won’t over do it next time.

[enjoysalud]

A good lesson for us all. Thanks for sharing it with us. Even God, on the 7th day, He rested.

[kenh1 in reply to enjoysalud]

Thank you the man who rescued me left me with the words tomorrow is Sunday.Day of rest. If I don't get the message now I have no excuses.

[enjoysalud in reply to kenh1]

Thank you for the hearty laugh on my part.

[Artteach10]

So glad to hear you found such good people and now probably friends. 🥰

[Tippyleaf]

Oh dear!!!! But how lovely to hear how supportive people have been.

Maybe the Sunday papers and a nice pot of tea tomorrow- this is one of my absolute treats when I have a respite weekend -always feels wonderfully indulgent!!

Take care of yourself and have a good rest

Love Tippy

[Westerngirl]

Oh dear.But enjoy the rest.I dream of time alone to retune my head.Maybe it would help me keep my cool.Have a lovely break.

[AJK2001]

Can you move at all today or has everything ceased up after all that exertion? What a lovely part of the world to spend some time, I think it's a hidden gem of an area, so don't go telling everyone !!!! Enjoy your break.

[kenh1 in reply to AJK2001]

I am ok after a long lie in. If you know the area the garden overlooks Stiperstones and that is what I shall be doing today.

[Kevin_1]

Good for you Ken

And, bravo for the cycling.

People can be so caring given the chance.

Your post brought a warm smile to me. Thanks you.

Maybe time for a motor bike and some good warm leathers? Logo on the back of course.

I hope you are getting some of this sunshine.

Strength to you.

Best

Kevin

[kenh1 in reply to Kevin_1]

I don't think I'll be getting a motorcycle, I have an inbred fear of them. My mother's first husband was killed in a motorcycle accident and when they come near my stomach churns. Weird! About a year ago I asked you for advice about personal health budgets. Your advice was very helpful. When I had the interview they informed me that they were bringing in a new scheme whereby I could tell them my wishes and they would see what they could do. I told them I would like to use the company I have been using for my respite breaks.

They contacted the company and they took over the care last December the care has been superb ever since.

[Hidden]

All sounds wonderful. How do people actually arrange their respite? I'd love some suggestions please.

[kenh1 in reply to Hidden]

I pay for a care company to look after my wife while I'm away. I tried putting her in a nursing home but she wasn't happy away from home. On one of her stays she caught an infection and ended up in hospital. I would suggest you contact whoever funds your care. My wife is in receipt of Attendance Allowance and the money from that goes towards the extra care costs.

[Kevin_1 in reply to kenh1]

I can quite understand your feelings on motorbikes. I used to both cycle tour and bike tour. Eventually I nearly had bad accidents just too many times (courtesy of car drivers) so I gave it up.

I'm so pleased that it worked out with your CHC and the care company. Good for you

I hope the respite break continues to be good.

All the best

Kevin

[doglington in reply to Hidden]

Try the hospice.

I did that a few times.

Otherwise I organised a nursing home I knew close to where I was staying. I picked him up every day. It meant I was free of all the care which I was managing alone. But he didn't feel abandoned and could socialise with the family.

It worked well for me but was expensive.

Jean xxx

[kenh1]

I am replying to myself to reply to all you lovely people who replied to my post. Thank you. I've loved all the comments. The lady of the house has just been down to see if I'm ok. The sun is shining and she has put out the chairs in the garden so I can spend the day watching the people climbing the hills and rocks of Stiperstones. A proper day of rest.

[doglington]

It's always good to be reminded how many good people there are around. I have many experiences of strangers being so caring when I was out with Chris..

Enjoy relaxing and drinking in the view.

Love Jean xx

[AJK2001 in reply to doglington]

So true Jean, I don't think there has been a time when I have taken Mum out when someone hasn't held a door or offered some kind of help. Recently we went out in the car to a local lake for a walk, when we got back to the car I was getting Mum out of her chair and a someone suddenly appeared by my side offering to help, I couldn't work out where he had come from and then realised he had been sitting in his van (white of course) the opposite side of the car park and had run across to help. It does restore your faith in human nature.