19th April 2011

Hiya,
unfortunately Steven's depression continues. It's difficult to get at the true reason. He's not in as much pain, but, he could be hiding it, because he knows that we are looking after him and he has said he doesn't like bothering us, despite us telling him it's no problem. His medicines have been changed. He's also getting fed up of the hospital environment, same routine, same walls, same people, but until he's a little more mobile, there's little we can do about that. He does try really hard to move between bed and chair, but a combination of general weakness, probably pain, and being tired is stopping him doing this manouvre with confidence. We have moved him from chair to the front seat of the car, this will open up trips locally to the nearby beachside town of Cullera if he's in the mood to do so. I drove him around the hospital car park, and although slightly nervous, he was able to support himself in the car seat. We have been told that the feeding tube will soon be removed, when????, no idea!! His diet has been changed, and the food is quite good, no more thick soup, but chicken, ham and cheese, or fish, much better. Steven is watching the Semana Santa parades (Easter) on television. This upsets him a little, because for many years he has been part of the parades in Torrevieja. But thanks to Barbara (in Belgium!!!), Steven's Cofradia (statue carrying group) La Piedad, are at last aware of his accident and situation. We have been told that Steven will be honoured during the parade by a lifting of the statue in his name. Steven has received many letters and cards of support, thank you.
best regards
Terry