Notes from a hospital waiting room

On the 2nd June I shall be walking 30 miles along the West Mendip way. This is about the 5th time I have done this and the event, organised by Weston Hospicecare, has 10, 20 and 30 mile options. This year over 100 people from across our Trust are taking part at whichever distance they choose. It’s great.

I am feeling blessed to be taking part.

I sat in the hospital with my Mum this morning who 3 months ago ‘had a fall’ and broke her back. We were awaiting the results of today’s x-ray. For 3 months she hasn’t been able to walk. Whilst I have hit the hills, been to the gym and ensured that I am physically able to complete 30 miles- she has sat. She has sat and waited to mend. Physically this has been hard. Mentally, thinking she may never walk again has been even harder. She described herself to the doctor as a tough lady but she hasn’t felt that tough lately. Getting old is hard but as my Dad would have said- the alternative is worse.

She has inspired me. She has inspired me to undertake challenges, to push myself physically and to always say yes to any opportunity offered. We never know when we may have to sit and hope to mend. Our bodies are precious and we need to make them as strong as we can. The same is true of our minds. We need to train hard and allow ourselves space to recover. That way we can be at our best. Having always been a keen train hard fan, leaving exercise barely able to breathe with tired achy muscles; I have recently taken up yoga. This is by no means an easy training option but I love it. I am not very flexible, I can barely touch my toes but I am improving. I am starting to notice the difference. It’s great for my body and also great for my mind.

Try it! Try anything~ you never know when you might be sat wishing you could.

Actually this story has a happy ending. Mum’s x-ray results were good. She can now walk again and has been encouraged to do so as much as she can to build her muscles back up. When she feels able, she can drive again too. I have just watched her walk up the stairs to her house for the first time in 3 months.

She is a tough lady~ I’m going to do everything I can to stay tough too. After 30 miles on Sunday, I will remind myself that it’s good for me and I made it because I could.

“If someone offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it- say yes, then learn how to do it later.”

Lisa Dadds

Headteacher – St Anne’s Church Academy