Joyce - Mum of Nic and Sally, Grandmother of Jonathan, Dorian and Karla

Hello all

Unfortunately Mum has had a stroke and was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on 9 October. She is still there waiting for a transfer to Budleigh Salterton Hospital for rehabilitation.

She suffered a significant episode which has resulted in quite a high level of disability. She can move all her limbs but has no strength. The most worrying aspect is her mental health. Mum was beginning to display signs of confusion before this happened but the stroke seems to have magnified this problem enormously. She is very distant and talks mainly in the past. She does recognise me and knows who I am. She requires assistance with feeding and can only manage liquidised foods. Because of the confusion the opinion is at the moment that a return home will be unlikely. However, we always remain optimistic and her home is waiting for her. This is probably everyones worst nightmare for themselves or someone they love. It is a very cruel way to spend the evening of your days and we have a different Mum and grandmother now to the one we had two weeks ago.

Will keep you posted.

On a happier note, Big G and I are really well and looking forward to some cosy winter evenings! Great news about Abi and Joe and we look forward to the wedding next year - (I am assuming we are invited!). Look forward to seeing you all before too long although as time races by it is looking increasingly unlikely in 2007 - where has it gone? Another year of big birthdays, births, engagements, mega moves to overseas adventures and other lovely things that hopefully will outweigh the negatives that I am sure we have all experienced this year.

Love you loads

Sally xxx

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