Monthly Archives: August 2013

My peeps.

Blimey, I’ve had a lot of visitors.
My parents, Gerry, Blair, Pat, Terry, Julie Enders and Georgia,  Adam and Chris ( dressed up as doctors… What if there’d been an emergency, the mind shudders ..) Rob and Kerry, Pia all in the last 2 days.
It’s like Xmas too, as people bring gifts and sweets 🙂

I’ve had Old Lady exercise bands tied to the bed by the physics so I can get some shoulders and arms back. They could double as catapults in the wrong hands..

Better sleep.

I sort of slept for 9 hours last night.
They took out the valve that lets me speak and hey presto, it let me sleep better. Less resist instance to the air I think. I didn’t need any mucous lung suction all night too, and that’s a first.
Chest def better went into a chair twice yday. Went to the river path for a look too   Normally I only see that bit of the river at the end of the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race- I can’t walk unaided then either….!
Gerry was with me at the tr, and I had lots. Of otherates come too. Thanks to you all, espec Pia, who comes every day.

Messages from lovely peeps

From Sian James:

So pleased that Russ is back,enjoying seeing his friends. I am pleased that Danielle is managing to get a holiday with the girls.

The blog is such an amazing tool for those who care but who may not be close enough to Russ and the family to feel that they can visit. I know so many people who check daily to get an update on his development . Russ is such a character and has the constitution of several oxen , it just helps to will him on.

Aunty Wendy and John:

Hello Sweet-pee,
Fantastic news and pictures!!!!
An excellent result, brought tears to my eyes, such a difference to when I was with him in Toulon.

Still trying to decide when to come!
When you next see Russell tell him I love him x

Take care my friend
Aunty Wendy and John x x

 Jade Rodham:

Hey gorgeous,

How you doing? I just wanted to send you a little message to send you a big fat cuddle and kiss which I will deliver in person soon, Telstar is coming up to visit today but I cant as im full of cold and chesty cough so obvs dont want to be bringing my germs to see you……….BUT I will be up soon I promise. Ill get all the mushy stuff out the way first, I know you probably hear it every day but I can’t stop thinking about you ( not in that way you dirty bastard) but just what you have been through and how far you have come. I wish you all the best Russ, you are amazingly strong both inside and out and I know you are going to come through this. It is a long road and im sure that there will be up’s and downs along the way but you have sooooo many people around you who love and admire you that are going to be there as and when you need them.

Anyway enough of that stuff cause you know how we all feel about you and I dont want to delay your departure any further due to your massive head that wont fit through the door!

I know you like to see some piccies so I have dug out a few for you to take a look at!- see attached! ( some of you, some of your lovely wife & her bottom, some silly ones of chris and adam just to make you laugh!)

I also had a little look for something that I thought you might like to read, I know you are recieving lots of physio input these days so I found a paper that kind of explains some of the stuff they are doing with you, you probably already know it knowing you, you have quizzed the physio’s whilst visualising kicking them in the tits!! Ill send it in a separate email, let me know if you cant view it and ill print it off and bring with me.

Right I wont bore you any more, I will see you soon

Lots and lots of love

Jade
xxx

Who dear?…Me Dear?…How very dare you!

C/O The lovely Debbie:


Visited Russ this morning, was brilliant to see him smiling and awake. We had a nice catch up and I helped him with his strawberry milkshake which went down a treat. We had a bit of a laugh at some old photos on my phone, I will be posting some on the blog soon Russ watch that space...
Was fab to see you Russ will be back when we return from Portugal loads of love Debs xxxx

Russ in his 'unsure of my sexuality' moment in Portugal

Specsavers LBH Conference

It Was great seeing Russ this evening. The three of us kept him entertained for almost 3 hours and he us. We showed him the view from his room for the first time by taking a photo on Ina’s phone and emailing it to his iPad. We updated him on all the latest work gossip and answered all of his questions of interest. He was in good humour the whole evening and it was lovely to see him and Danielle. We all hope to visit again soon and this time we have a plan to get passed the scary nurse that would only allow 2 guests at a time. All the best Russ and keep up the great recovery.

Scott 

It could only be pure entertainment seeing the true superman himself, Russ. I think I can speak for Irinder, Scott and myself when I say we were nervous on arriving at LBH. All of us read his blog daily, it’s like a TV series; we’re all waiting for the next episode, praying and hoping he’ll get better soon. 
From reading the blog and actually getting to see the super optom director himself- reality did strike for me. You’ve been through a massive ordeal and we still managed to walk in to your luxurious room, to see your beautiful smile and have the usual banter! You’re the true definition of strength and determination, someone with so much fight its inspiring. 
We got Russ to see the picturesque shard view via Skype, had him and Iri get some boy-on-boy action ;). We even got to sneak in some wine, now neatly hidden in his draw of toiletries – only Russ gets Clinique mens creams, aftershave and a shaving kit stored for him to be pampered. 
Danielle is a true star for how she endures everything with great strength and positivity and how much she cares endlessly for Russ
No doubt we’ll be back to see you soon Russ, glad you liked our optom calendar too! Keep strong….:)
Ina
xxx
Last night, Ina, scott and I visited Russ for the first time after the accident. 
I didnt feel nervous up until the point at which we rung the bell of the ICU and the automatic doors flung open. I didnt know what to expect and noticed the three of us collectively becoming very silent and obviously psyching ourselves up to meet Russ. However, on entry into his swanky room,  he immediately made us feel welcome and the look of instant animation in his eyes was very touching for each of us to see.
Soon afterwards, the usual Russ banter flowed and the usual bow of disappointment after being out bantered by myself was ever present (every single time, don’t even deny it!)
3 hours into our catchup session, and it was sadly time to leave. 
I find myself waking up with his image firmly fixed in my mind. The image isnt of sadness or sorrow, it’s of inspiration. He said two words last night which continue to ring in my ears- “No regrets”. You did a lot for me man, and I wont forget. 
p.s. I managed to land a punch square on his jaw. Ex pre regs thank me later!
Peace
Irinder

Update

Special thanks too to my very special business partners Helen and Selcuk, without whom the whole of Specsavers would lie in ruins ( a bit like me really )
They’ve taken all the stress away and dealt with it as usual xx
And to Fuzzy Wuzzy Chrissie for being there for hours while I  was being treated etc xx