Going Home is Always a Challenge!

It's been a week of mixed feelings if I am honest; there has been more downs than ups sadly, but I have had a week off and been making the most of my time.  This is really my last segment of annual leave before next year, so I decided to do very little. I haven't done anything taxing or challenging, but just relaxed, taken time out and  made the most of my time with Darrell.

The beginning of the week started well enough, then on Thursday Darrell, my Aunt and I went to see Dad at home in Titchfield. Once again, this was the first visit in a while, due to the ongoing pandemic. My Father, although fit and well, is still of an age, where he should take more care, especially around other people. The potential for COVID infection is high and for this reason alone, I do limit the visits I make to see him, not wanting to subject him to potential harm. Nevertheless, it was great to see him and give him his Birthday card and present, celebrating his 73rd in a few days.

We had a lovely meal out at Titchfield Mill, just round the corner from his house, and chatted over good food and a few drinks.

Going home to the place of my birth is always a challenge, I am not the greatest fan of village life. Since leaving home, I have spent most of the time living in cities or by the coast in different areas of the World. Titchfield, is not really my destination of choice, but Dad has lived there all his life and has never really ventured outside the village. For him, it is home, and a very comfortable one at that.

I have always felt safe and secure there, and in many respects it does hold some special memories for me. I had a very happy childhood, but my teenage years were rather different and for that reason, this small village on the south coast of England, isn't my favourite place to visit.

There are of course still many memories of Mum around the house, which is comforting, but it does also evoke happier times when Mum was alive, and that can hurt. Dad does, however, seem to have come to terms with her untimely death and has managed to rebuild his life in a positive and fulfilling way. He is doing more today than he has done in many years, even managing to go on holiday to Yorkshire this year. I am proud of just what he has achieved in the face of adversity, as I know we all are.

The day after visiting Dad, I was given some news I had been waiting for. The Doctor phoned me in the morning to tell me my 'FIT' test result had come back positive. A 'FIT' test measures the amount of blood in the gastrointestinal tract. Normally there is only a small amount, but with a positive result, it was clear there was far more than there should be, and I will now have to undergo further tests, to discover just what is going on.

I have been suffering from blood loss for a little over a month now, so this result was really no surprise, but it is deeply concerning for me. I have always put my stomach and bowel issues down to IBS, but with bleeding and a change in bowel habits, there is a risk something else is going on. At fifty years old, I am well aware I am in a dangerous age category, where I am more susceptible to conditions that I wouldn't be otherwise. I am always proactive in getting tested for any potential areas of concern and now, at least, looking after myself, unlike the last 49 years.

Even though I have now lost over two stone in weight and have gone from obese to nearly normal weight, I am mindful of the challenges ahead. We are entering a more dangerous phase of COVID-19 and as a fifty-year-old man, I need to look after myself; Thankfully I will get my booster on 25 November. I am also trying hard to stick to a healthy diet, keep my weight down and stay as fit as I can for the long winter months.

Times really are still tough, and I remain apprehensive for the future, but I am doing all I can to protect myself and others and continue to wear a mask in a public setting  and socially distance when possible. On top of this, Darrell should also be able to apply for his booster jab in a month, despite being vaccinated in Australia. With him also starting a new job this week, it is essential we both continue to remain as safe as we can; during uncertain times, it is important to follow advice and take precautions. I aim to survive the oncoming storm and do not relish the opportunity of having COVID once again; All of us need to do the right thing!
 
Have a great week, y'all!