Phoebe's trip to see 'Strictly'

Life has changed a lot for us since Phoebe returned home from hospital.  Matt and Rachel carry huge responsibility caring for Phoebe, deciding when to put feeds in her tube, when to give her painkillers, how much to expect of her in terms of energy and behaviour.  This week Matt returns to work after months of sharing equally in Phoebe’s care, whereas now much more will fall to Rachel.  Jen still goes to help out when asked, but not every day as before, as Rachel is keen for family life to return to as near normal as possible.

Phoebe has started a phased return to school; she attends until 10.10am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  She is still quite frail and tires easily so has an afternoon nap every day.  We are hoping that slowly she will build up enough strength to stay longer at school, with Tuesdays and Thursdays as rest days for some time to come.

A couple of weeks ago Jen had a lovely break at her sister Valerie’s, a few days with nothing to do but rest, read, play the piano and enjoy delicious meals!  It was well timed as the emotion of the previous months was suddenly taking its toll and tiredness and tears were not far away.

Rachel and Phoebe

Phoebe with her 'Strictly' stickers

A little while ago Matt asked on Twitter if anyone knew how to get tickets for Strictly Come Dancing as a treat for Phoebe, who loves watching “the dancing show”.  The message reached the BBC who supplied tickets for Phoebe, Rachel and Jen to attend a recording of the Children in Need special and the dress rehearsal for the live show last Saturday.  We stayed overnight on Friday with dear friends from our old church in Stevenage, put on our posh frocks and went along in the pouring rain to enjoy the show.  There was a lot of waiting around which Phoebe coped with really well, and then front row seats opposite the judges’ desk!  Jen hadn’t been following “Strictly” but the whole experience was great fun and it was wonderful to see Phoebe smiling throughout!  Several of the dancers and “celebrities” came over to chat with Phoebe and other children in wheelchairs.
We are not under the illusion that a treat like this in any way makes up for the months of suffering that Phoebe has undergone, or that our family “deserves” a treat to recompense us for our difficult year.  But it was great for the three of us to have fun together and the photos will remind us of our day in the bright lights!

We are so grateful that you have been following us in this journey with Phoebe, and thank you for all your prayers. Please keep praying.
Many thanks
Marcus ans Jen
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