Manic Mode

I always go into a bit of manic mode before going on leave, 
even it's only a week. So you can imagine what it's like 
when I plan to go to Korea for longer periods. 
It was also the case today, but I guess it was slightly 
different due to recent reviews and safeguarding matter. 
As sometimes you do not have to take immediate action but 
two of my cases required some action asap. So I had to pull my sock up!
I did manage to tide up the cases as much as I can so I am felt
quite good leaving work. I only have half day tomorrow for training and 
taking the afternoon off!


I was so late to meet up with friends for 'Black Swan' but just about 
right as it started as we walked in! It reminded of the symptoms of 
schizoprenia of how Natalie Portman was, she was very good. 
I wonder if I can ever get away from work....
Well, I think I can when I go away to see my friend on Friday. 
It is going to be a very interesting trip and I am sure there will be some 
good conversations. Hitting Provence in 6 hours from London
on the train is so cool!

A break through?

I went to see one of my MND service user this afternoon. 
Social workers rarely have cases more than 6 months but 
it was agreed that with MND cases I see through the whole process 
e.g. till they die. Reason being, the cases are often
complex and changes can occur relatively quickly. 
I had four MND cases two service users passes away and 
the remain two service users are doing well. 

Jane* was diagnosed in March 2010 and I assisted her
discharge from hospital to moving into an accessible house
with her family. Long process! She has two children aged 19 and 14. 
She is a faithful christian who firmly believes that God will cure her. 
I can understand where she is coming from but her belief
sometimes hindered some of the provisions for the family as whole. 
She has been quite reluctant to talk about her future plans. 
However, I use the trust I have built over the year to suggest 
whether she will be interested in drawing up a will. 
I used my personal experience of talking about a will with 
my parents as I wanted to respect their dignity and wishes. 


I was so pleased that I was able to discuss about this sensitive issue
with lots of laughter and joy rather than anything else. 
I was quite nervous to start the topic but it just came along quite naturally. 
She paused a little at first but she relaxed as I talked about 
my own experience. I will take this very slowly and gently
with the palliative care team and I hope this will empower Jane 
to have more choices of what she wants for her. 
Yes, I do wish that she has a 'good death' with all the things 
in place with the blessing from her family. 

I am quite happy about today's visit and 
I can go off Tango dancing with a joyful heart!!!

*Jane's name has been altered due to confidentiality.   

Connection...인연...

People make numerous connections with others

throughout their life time intentionally or unintentionally.

Is it always a matter of choice or does it just happen?

Of course, sometimes they last and sometimes they fad away.

I met a friend I met at Taize last summer, first time in 8 months

and the impact was extraordinary. She invited me to a talk

that was inspiring and challenging thinking about who I am

as human being before God. However, things that happened

to her was interesting and her energy was so positive and powerful!

It was so beautiful how she reflected her experience, 

something that I was missing.....

I was filled with joy after seeing her and listening to the talk.

It is just fascinating to meet her today and to discuss some

of the areas that I have been contemplating on recently.

It really was a moment that God is working and guiding towards

what I need at this point of time. I am meeting another friend from

Taize tomorrow and one more next week.

I believe in God working through people and letting me meet the right

people at the right time. I think I am lead to what I am meant to do

in future as he always did for me. I need some pauses in life...I know that...

Kids dancing salsa in Camaguey, Cuba

A thought....

'Human kind connot bear very much reality.' 
                                     
                                                   T.S.Eliot