My office was closed until the 2nd January, but I had a large report to read and comment on, so time was spent on that and looking around the sales for possible wigs and an update for my camera. The camera was easy to find and order, but looking at new wigs is a nightmare. I decided in the end that I need to get one fitted and that will mean a fair bit of travelling - something for the new year ... perhaps a trip to London, or Brighton.
On the 29th I was due to pick up the new camera (more pixies) at Ashford and do a major food shop. P was having blood tests in the morning at the local GP surgery and I suggested we could both go shopping which she was happy to do.
Arriving at Ashford I realised we would be passing the cemetery on the way back past Wingham (for my favourite farm shop). I said I would like to stop at B's grave.
That was fine. Then Kate Wolf’s 'Shadow of a Life' started playing as we drove into the
cemetery – I had to switch it off. I laid flowers, had a few private moments, and then we left. Kate’s song
started up again and I explained its resonance. I
then put it into more context by referring to it coming on while driving home after B's funeral and reminded P that years ago when we drove up to London to my mother's funeral, the Lark Ascending came on and that's always had that association since then.
All was set for NYE. P would be coming over in the afternoon
for a meal; I would be dressed. I had even selected what I would wear and then
my eyes and nose started streaming as a cold came out. My make up wouldn't have stood a chance, so I left off dressing. P arrived and said she expected to see me ‘in my
finery’ but understood why that was not happening. Anyway we had a very
pleasant game stew. I was in bed by 10.30 and saw the worldwide NY celebrations on the TV in
the middle of the night. Monday was spent in and out of bed, struggling to get
ready for work on Tuesday, 2nd Jan.
On Thursday 4th, I picked P up and we went to her neurological appointment. The consultant diagnosed Parkinson’s
and said it had quite a rapid onset. P will now be transferred to the Parkinson’s team and the first
visit will be by the specialist nurse. P will also have MRI and DAT scans. I was concerned that the medical 'news' would take a toll of P, but she took it in her stride. Now the hiatus of waiting for the consultation was over, I booked the Ireland ferry. We decided to have a second attempt at a 'dressed' NYE on the coming Sunday. That all went well. She does seem genuinely to accept my dressing and she also knows that my support for her would be there even if she could not tolerate it.
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