Another Week In Paradise: Sheree, Jade and the Spinal Cord Injuries Association

Sheree, Jade and me in my bright white shoes

I spent the day in bed today, although the pressure mark seems to be minor and I hope to be up and about tomorrow. Actually, I must have needed the rest. I slept most of the day until about 330. A lazy day that should leave you Monday workers jealous!. If you would like to experience horror, type “spinal injury and pressure sores” into Google images and look at some of the ulcerations that are possible. Don’t worry mine is nothing like that – it’s a tiny red mark, insignificant provided I take it seriously.

I was allowed up for one hour and I spent that time, firstly getting a coffee and, secondly, in physio – as you can see I have my priorities correct. I had the pleasure of spending my time in the gym chatting to Sheree and her beautiful dog Jade. Sheree had her accident 13 years ago and is a C5 quadriplegic with functionality similar to mine – I have things a little better given that I have some use of the right-hand that she does not. Sheree lives on her own, works full time, and has written a number of books related to spinal-cord injury. She is able to do this with the help of the amazing Jade. This dog helps to open doors, pick up things she is drops, opens the fridge and gets out food, hangs out the washing – and so on and so on.

Sheree works with a Spinal Cord Injuries Association (see link). The organisation’s vision and mission is brilliant:

• Vision
• A society without barriers for people with spinal cord injury.
• Mission
• Our constant innovation creates independence and unlimited opportunity for people living with spinal cord injury.

but whatever the formalities of her institution, from the perspective of my little world, her visits every Monday are a true blessing. I love the hospital staff – the nurses and physios and doctors and occupational therapists (and I’d better write about them all one-day), but there is nothing like talking to someone who has experienced what you are going through and who has made so much of her life. We are able to talk about all the joys and challenges of being in a chair and she provides endless practical advice. But more than this sharia is a delightful person and I love spending time with her. when she leaves Monday afternoons I am always a happier and more hopeful soul.