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I look forward to seeing my volunteers even more now that people are less visible.

Schools are back now which means day-to-day normality has resumed.

It has been hard not seeing my granddaughter so much. I feel empty again and yearn for the days my volunteers visit. I have been out a couple of times with my carers to the shops as the weather has stayed mostly dry.  One carer went on a hunt around Brighton looking for a specific lightbulb for my lamp. I was so happy when, a week later, he arrived with the right sized bulb.  Adult Social Care have increased my care package by one hour a week, which although doesn’t sound much, makes a big difference. Last week it got me said lightbulb!

My volunteers have been feeling well this month, Liz arrives on my doorstep most weeks and it was amazing to meet up with Halima again after such a long break.  She said her children are okay and she is fine.  Halima, like myself, is glad the little ones are back, settled at school. The weather is becoming a little wetter so we’ve not been out on the balcony as often and the nights are beginning to draw in.  People walking past my window are resisting the change of seasons and still wear shorts and light tops – even though there is a nip in the air.

I haven’t seen my daughter or granddaughter much this month which has been difficult to deal with and my neighbours are staying indoors now rather than sitting in the courtyard. I feel the pang of loneliness hitting me along with the onset of cold, grey skies.  I look forward to seeing my volunteers even more now that people are less visible.

The care agency which looks after me is in a good place and my carers are now a regular bunch of lovely people. My volunteers are visiting me regularly and I feel now is the time to settle back and recharge myself, ready for the next school holidays in October.

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