Then on Saturday, Jane and Amy visited. 
Jane and I qualified as Social workers together in 1979 after a 2 year MA at Kent University. We shared many happy days in Canterbury and she often put me up , since my base was East London. Since then, our contact has been regular (Christmas ) but we have spent little time together in the past three decades . So Saturday was special.
I hadn't seen her eldest daughter Amy since she was a child . Almost the same age as my eldest, she is well and truly an adult and with a number of achievements to her name. She is testimony to the importance of recognising and supporting ability, aspiration and achievement . Amy was keen to tell me of her achievements and for me to record them here.
Amy proudly shared these three achievements:
- she has been to the House of Lords where she gave evidence to the Joint Committee for Human Rights ,on behalf of "Speaking Up " and "C4Participation" advocating for a voice for people with disabilities . ( She worked for what is now "Voicability" for 9 years before being made redundant)
- she gained her European Computer Driving Licence(ECDL)
- she lived independently for 3 years and is working towards doing so again
On top of this, she works one day a week and volunteers on another three days; she obviously gives a great deal to the isolated older people she works with . She has a good social circle. She has visited her father in the States and in Italy. She leads a full life . And she recognises her mum's considerable achievement in bringing up three daughters singlehandedly and sustaining a career of public service through social work. What an inspiring birthday eve!
Sunday , the 13th was the actual birthday and it was great to enjoy a family gathering - all three offspring and their partners and my sister and hers.... And more flowers!
Whilst I see them all quite frequently , we seldom come together and it was great good fun. Ok so it involved a good deal of cooking and washing up; there was also much ribbing and laughter and to Merry's delight, dog walking.
And the weather held up!
Hove seafront at dusk on 13th September
All in all it was a hugely enjoyable birthday - thanks to all who remembered !
And the week has been one of meetings and preparations for our big New England adventure , whilst enjoying the big seas and giving the sometimes biblical rain downpours a wide berth.
This week I also caught up with missed episodes of "The Nick" ( ITV) which focussed on the work of the Brighton&Hove division of Sussex Police , led by Nev Kemp.
A pacey , realistic series, it showed the head and heart of our often brave Police colleagues as they work to keep the city safe . As well as serious crimes , we glimpsed the challenges of the "Naked Bike Ride" and the sometimes quirky demands of policing a tourist - spot . Where else would the strongest constable in the force be asked to lift a Campervan off a parking meter ! For me the key testimony came from officers tweeting what a "Ledge" their Chief Superintendent, Nev, is . His leadership creates the conditions for the commitment, care and good humour we saw on our screens. I am proud to call him a friend.
We can all achieve, more than we dare hope, if we have the right support, challenge and feedback .
That's the message I take from from Amy and Nev .... Indeed from all if us.
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