We went into town today and braved the Christmas shoppers. I needed a few bits for rehab such as a notebook, I taught myself to write left-handed last year. The notebook and a pen is a back up, I learnt last year that many nurses cannot use a letter board if they can't understand what I'm trying to say, I go too fast for them but not for Ross my husband! I guess he gets more practice, as he'd tell you I can still nag even by board if I need! My sister in law made me some flashcards by laminating useful phrases such as "bedpan please", and attaching to a chain so they can't wander from my bed, very handy, must take them.

Dragged him round shops hunting for those little things that make Christmas for my sons, poor man he loathes shopping. Have to get my Christmas bits around rehab, most done already via the internet, I try to do my bit and lighten Ross's load where I can. Tried to pick Ross's present out of a parcel and hide in another box but simply too heavy; for obvious reasons can't say what it was but 1 handed I had to admit defeat and enlist my 15 year old's help, he's lovely with me, makes me very proud. Also looked at jackets easy to put on in a wheelchair, they need to be big, short and preferably with double zips as when you can't stand readily you're hunched up a bit. Found a nice one which to cap it was on offer and in that shop two pairs of trousers leapt off the shelves and onto my lap! Least they were cheap. I must be the ideal wife; doesn't talk much and cheap!