2020 - Coronavirus (Covid 19)

Cameron
April 2020

What a strange year it has been and we are only up to April.

2020 started out rather overwhelmingly - not because of Cameron - and life ran away with us. The very week that life finally gave us a chance to take a breath and take stock Covid 19 arrived in Western Australia.

We quickly realized that Cameron couldn't socially distance himself or understand the new health and hygiene protocols, which have now become a normal part of our lives, so we chose to isolate our family for everyone's protection.

As everyone has found, staying home comes with benefits and challenges. Today Cameron is finding it challenging and we are hearing lots of grumbling, growling and stamping of feet. On other days he's quite happy and content. Considering that he probably doesn't understand why he can't get out and be with everyone he loves I think he has coped remarkable well. Online link ups have been fun although Cameron has been a little perplexed by it all.

This is the first time in his life that Cameron's day to day life has stopped. No therapy, no appointments, no visiting, no socializing, no dancing, no bowling, no car trips, no cafe visits, nothing. This has never happened, not even when he was a new born baby before the never ending medical and therapy appointments started. We've never been home. We've never been isolated. In a way this is a dream come true. I'm truly grateful for the rest.

When we decided we had to temporarily stop therapy at the Institute of Functional Neuroscience it was done with a heavy heart. We had maintained nine non stop years of therapy. What would this do to Cameron's brain? Would he regress?

Without the data of a brain scan we can't be sure but from day to day observation it seems that Cameron is doing really well. He has adapted to his new flexible routine. He has adapted to Dad working at home and understands when he is told we need to stay away from rooms so meetings can be heard. He's adapted to Nanna living with us. He's learnt how to lounge on a bed - this is something he had never done. He's learnt how to lean backwards and put his head under the shower water - the look of bliss on his face is beautiful. He has watched lots of movies - another huge challenge for him. He's discovered comedy series like Kath & Kim and The IT Crowd. He's watched The Wiggles way too much. He's rediscovered toys and playdough, swinging and wandering around the yard. He even vacuumed - although he thinks one straight line through a room is sufficient.

Cameron Vacuuming
April 2020

I did think it was ironic that I finally got all my diaries sorted and set up for the year the week we had to cancel every plan we had. The next week Cameron discovered my white board pens and scribbled all over my year planner and normally I would have been rather angry - it had taken me hours to organize. Instead I just laughed because he was right - the year is a mess and nothing is where it should be anymore. I redirected Cameron's artistic abilities and he was very proud of his creations.

Cameron showing off his art work
March 2020

We feel blessed to be living in a region that is isolated and safer than other highly populated areas around the world. We feel sad for all the families grieving for their deceased family members and extremely grateful for all medical staff, support staff and cleaners caring for everyone affected by Covid 19 around the world. We're also extremely grateful for all the emergency services, cleaners, supermarket employees and government employees working to keep us all safe and healthy. Thank you.

So we will continue to stay home and Cameron will continue to watch way too much Wiggles mixed up with new viewing discoveries each time he discovers the TV remotes new hiding place. He will walk and spin, swing and bang, lounge and observe, be Helpfully Unhelpful and discover new things.

Wherever you are around our beautiful planet please isolate if needed, wash your hands and socially distance. Cameron sends you all a big hug and hopes you all Stay Safe.