Kindness

    Early morning New Church Rd , Hove

As I set off to London on Wedsnesday I saw the the beautiful warning morning sky. I wondered what it warned. 

In fact I experienced it as a pink sky smile, a celebration of several days hard, rewarding work, supporting my dad into the new, next phase of his life. 

Tuesday night was his first night in a new home in his new City . It was a big move. 

After collecting essentials from his for sale cottage at the weekend , and having had He-Van's experts move furniture from his room in our house, it only left us to hang pictures, make the bed and tune in the radio. Sadly, the TV ariel was defunct and required a mender (tomorrow).

    We transformed dad's new home from this to this. 

Naturally, it was stressful and poignant - he is giving up the known and the past for the new and a future. He was widowed in February and will always be grieving. We talked about this life change but dad didn't want to dwell too much on the loss. Instead, we focussed on independence with security and support. We reflected on the conviviality and sustenance on offer - and the opportunity.  

                       

  Eartha sees the empty chair at the dining table as an opportunity too! 

As I rode on the bus on Wednesday I wondered how the first night's sleep had gone . Visiting in the evening , all was well. The TV was working , the liver and bacon had been delicious and I was treated to a convivial glass of red. 

And then on Thursday,  the NHS came up trumps - dad's eye appointment of Monday has led to the booking of dad's cataract removal early in January ! The future prospect of him being able to see is exciting.

This week we have experienced such kindness , responsiveness, respect from everyone from whom  we have needed help and expertise - whether they were from  public, private or voluntary organisations. 

Such behaviours were exactly the sort of thing that Cristina Odone and I had in mind when we met at the Legatum Institute on Wednesday to talk about  values-led organisations and parenting schemes. 

                                  

                                      Cristina Odone 

Core values were also a central concern for Maria and I as we reflected on the future impact of the Stuart Hall Foundation . We discussed the challenge and opportunity of her Programme Manager role and the importance for the Foundation of having explicit values underpinning behaviours and supporting  shared purpose and ambition. 

                                   

                                                   Maria Amidu and her Brompton 

My Friday evening was spent with my brother, and before going to the National Open Art exhibition at Pallant house gallery, we went to enjoy the wonderful singing and spirit of the sung evensong at Chichester Cathedral. 

                                        

                                        

                                       Glow of lights and John Piper's Tapestry always soothes and inspires

                                       

                                       

                                   

                                       First candle of Advent 

          

We followed this nourishment with feasting on the Open , arty conversations , and sneaking a look at David Jones wonderful self portrait. And then we headed over to see dad in his new home.

                                   

                                      Dad and Helen 

Fish and chips assuaged Pip's and my hunger ; dad was too well fed to even sneak a chip! ( A great sign) . Then , 4 days ahead of the BT promise , we were able to set up the phone . Dad is now connected to the world again. 

The kindness of strangers , including a range of social care and health professionals, has made this week's move positive and possible. A big thank you!