We have just finished enjoying a delicious dinner with Deb, who clipped Lexi back in early November. Born in Western Australia, Deb has been a nomad for most of her life and will be returning to her adopted state of Queensland in autumn. We will have Lexi shorn again by Deb at the end of January to tide us through until next spring. She was a most lively and agreeable dinner guest and only departed to return to her dogs in her temporary digs.
We are already looking forward to our winter trip to the North West, but in the meantime, there have been some unexpected occurrences that have demanded my attention.
New Year's Day was wonderfully relaxed. We almost stayed up until midnight, so we slept in until 11.30 in the morning. Such decadence, but also a reminder that we were both running on empty when we closed the Gallery on Christmas Eve.
2 January was our 11th wedding anniversary. Our memories remain vivid of one of the happiest days of our lives. We asked Marion and Michael (our Number 1 Fans) to join us for a lamb roast dinner. They arrived, arms loaded with gifts. Wine, flowers, cakes and stainless steel cutlery. Apparently, the 11th wedding anniversary's symbol is steel, so Marion cheerfully obliged with the help of a local supermarket.
3 January was a big day. I had an appointment with the cardiologist to hear the results of my angiogram. Michael was to report in at the end of his CPAP trial; we were fully prepared for the purchase of his forever CPAP device.
I already knew from other tests that I had an Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery ( a congenital heart defect where the artery arises from a different location), mild Tricuspid and Mitral valve regurgitation (two leaky heart valves) and some overlying lung disease, which has not been pinpointed. Imagine my shock when the cardiologist announced I had no evidence of Coronary Heart Disease but I did have yet another congenital heart defect called Atrial Septal Defect. She also concurred that my two granddaughters should be checked by a paediatric cardiologist due to two of my children being born with congenital heart defects as well as myself. Happy new year...
What gave me the irrits was her denial that my heart defects were causing me any health implications. I accepted from her on face value that I had lived this long so I shouldn't suffer from any effects. Except I am breathless and I can't exercise. Normal housework exhausts me. Forget about walking to the park. My legs burn with any exertion. She reckons my symptoms are lung related. So, I have a referral to Scott Claxton (Michael and Alex's respiratory specialist) for the middle of February. Until then, I am flying blind. I have no plan, no treatment, no definitive diagnosis. Give me strength...
Then, there are the ongoing sagas with both ANZ and the NDIA. My latest ANZ contact, an EDR (External Dispute Resolution) team member had indicated she would contact me with a Letter of Resolution before the end of 2023. Surprise, surprise, surprise... this document has not appeared. Due to my complaint lodged with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, she has promised me a written offer of compensation before 13 January. Yeah, right.
As for the NDIA, I am so shattered that I have not even thought about the ATT's consideration of our case for reimbursement of Alex's CPAP machine since before Christmas. I hope for a positive outcome but I haven't set my hopes too high. In my current state, all I really seek is a conclusion. I can't cope with any more catastrophes.
In spite of all these challenges, I still have so many joys in my life. My beloved Michael remains my soul mate, lover and best friend. Alex and Callum are the most wonderful of sons. Bronwyn is a beautiful, intelligent and intuitive Super-mummy and Cal's adored wife. Imogen and Violet are our precious granddaughters. Goofy Lexi, sensitive Stella, Chop the feisty feline and the mad parrot Red add laughter to our lives every single day. We have the East End Gallery, Station House and Will our less-than-perfect A Liner camper trailer.
Sadness, anger, frustration and regret do not define me. I embrace the past, present and future.
Our gorgeous grandies...
Alex...
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