It was three years ago when I saw Heather lying unconscious along the edge of the road, being helped by a passing motorist and waiting for the ambulance. The whirl of how and why, the dread of what was going to happen, the fear and panic, the rage and my feelings of total ineptitude that I had back then, still remain with me.
The smiling face of Heather and the warm embrace she gives when she sees me every day now, is something that I could not contemplate on the Second Saturday of October 2009.
Thank you everyone for your prayers and wonderful thoughts and letters which we continue to receive even now. And we thank the good Lord for some sort of life that we now share. John
Last night, I went to the Lakeside Rockers lessons night. First time for two and a half years! I was very happy to attend and I told CJ that I'd like to go again. Those in attendance were very excited that I was there. I enjoyed the dancing and the music and smiled all evening. It felt like my "other" home. The Babe
My room is full. Thanks Everyone!
The Babe
I took The Babe to the new cafe in town - formerly Bis. As you can see Heather's pumpkin soup was terrific and mine didn't last long either. I had help with the chips though!!
The Babe really liked the spot, where we could quietly enjoy our meal and watch the whole crowd! We'll be going back. CJ
Hi everyone. Yes it's my birthday and I'm so glad I had a lovely day!! Perhaps I may remember parts of this one, because of my last two, I simply cannot remember anything. And even before that I can barely recall much. But I do know the date - so that's a start.
I received many cards and phone calls and messages over the past two days. I said to CJ, "I must write back and thank everyone". (Realistically guys and gals I can't see where we will have the time, but I'll give Heather the opportunity...CJ) Thanks to everyone - for the lovely flowers and presents. The birthday cake was made by a friend of one of the staff at the nursing home and it was delicious with coffee this afternoon.
I know that I am making some progress at last and everyone is very hopeful for me. I will be seeing my Rehab Specialist in Melbourne next month, so I hope that I can surprise her.
Thanks again Love Heather
Its been a long two weeks and I hope I've got hold of everyone personally, on the phone, by e-mail or SMS about the outcome of the Plea Hearing and the Sentence Hearing.
I had Heather home last weekend and I will have her again this weekend. Ive been at work for 2 days and been on the phone for 2 days as well, so I've been flat out! I've got lots of stories to tell and lots of photos to share. The above pix was the lovely sunset over South Australia looking back from far Western Victoria near the border. I just had to stop on my way home from Adelaide and look at it for a while.
I hope this link below works for you. I was interviewed by the local ABC station and it was recorded and placed on their web page. If it doesn't work let me know and I'll add it as a link on this Blog - just as soon as I know how to do it!! CJ
So, I'm cooling my heels here in Adelaide at the Tour Down Under. Am getting a little nervous about Friday's Court Hearing, so its best that I'm distracted by the all theatre of the TDU. I've not heard anything from the Vic Police at this late stage suggesting any delays, so I'll be flying back on Thursday for the Friday appearance at 9:30 AM. If you're there, I'll see you and if not I'll post results as soon as possible. CJ
Hi everyone. Please mark 9:30 AM Friday 20th January 2012 in your diary. The driver who struck Heather off her bicycle on the 10th October 2009, will at long last appear in court for a Plea Hearing on the 20th January, which is only just a week away. The delay in proceeding with this case has not been of our making nor the Victorian Police. The driver - a male person - faces several very serious driving charges and I understand he will plead guilty. It is hoped that the court will take submissions on the day, which is another way of saying, listening to Police charges, the Victim Impact Statements and hearing the defence counsel reply and statement. If that is the case, then the Judge will hear the plea, then adjourn the court for a later appearance when he will hand down his sentence.
The battle for this day has been difficult, but I'm glad it's all coming to a head now. It will be my opportunity to see for the first time, the driver who smashed Heather and then ran away. This collision has been investigated by the Police and have several ideas on how it all happened, which may become clear in court.
Everyone is cordially invited to attend and Heather could go if she wanted to. Of course she won't be able to. It will be held in Latrobe County court in Morwell at 9:30AM. I know some of you will be attending as well as Heather's brother, Glenn. This will be an opportunity once more to show your support for Heather as she struggles to get better while in Wilson Lodge in Sale. Her modest gains for 2011 are promising for a better future and those who may have been reluctant to know more of her progress, will be pleased to know what she is up to these days. I hope to catch up with some of you then.
I will keep you up to date if there are any late changes to this court appearance, by posting new blog updates. I hope there are no changes because I'm flying back from Adelaide especially for it.
May I take this opportunity of thanking all of you who keep thinking of her and asking me on how she is going. Your support makes us strong. CJ
