Friday, August 3, 2012

AN INJURY FREE WEEK AND THE START OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES

28th July to 3rd August 2012

What an wondrous and inspiring opening Ceremony we witnessed to the Olympic Games, the Ceremony was titled 'Isles of Wonder', the Ceremony welcomed the elite and  finest athletes from two hundred and five nations. It was the third time that London had hosted the world’s biggest and most important sporting event. The Opening Ceremony was a reflection of the key themes and priorities of the London 2012 Games, these themes were sport, inspiration, youth and urban transformation. It was truly a Ceremony for young and old and celebrated contributions the United Kingdom has made to the world through innovation and revolution, as well as the creativity and exuberance of British people. The highlight of the whole event was the finale when the Olympic Cauldron was spectacularly formed from 205 copper petals which represented the competing nations, it was just incredible, and will leave a visual memory imprinted on people's minds for a long time to come. 

I think my favourite part of the opening Ceremony was Mr Bean, being incorporated into the Chariots of Fire music, he is so amusing and I know that when I was having my chemotherapy and feeling a little down, watching episodes of Mr Bean on DVD always made me smile.
There have been so many awe inspiring efforts from athletes who are pushing themselves beyond their limits to achieve their very best.  There have also been some disappointments but I believe that those athletes will grow from these experiences.  To even be representing your Country at such an event is something that every single athlete should feel proud about.  Then if you have done your personal best your should hold your head high, because it is not always about winning medals it is competing and knowing that you have given it your all, the medals are a bonus. 

I have really enjoyed watching the Gymnastics, Rowing, Horse Riding, Hockey and diving and I am especially looking forward to the start of the track and field events tonight because I enjoy taking part in my throwing.

For school I have been working through the Coaching Section of my Sports Science Textbook learning all about different coaching styles and the roles and responsibilities of a coach.  In Maths we are now working on linear equations which I am enjoying as there are similarities to algebra in it and I really love algebra. 

The sales of my book 'Theodore and Friends - Theodore is left out' are going exceptionally well, there are less than fifty of the last one hundred printed left.  I feel so excited at the response and it means that we can really make a difference and contribute to the research program at The Sydney Children's Hospital to try to find a cure or at least more successful treatment for this absolutely devastating and life changing disease. 

At physiotherapy this week Kaitlyn worked on my pelvis, legs and spine, I am having terrible trouble with pain which makes me feel rather ill and exhausted.  It is lucky that I have Kaitlyn to provide some relief for a little while. 

I also had a visit from Wendy, the CNC from Sydney and my palliative care doctor.  They are looking at changing my pain medications to try to provide relief for me.  They are also going to organise some medication to help with my nausea, it is horrible to feel sick.  Wendy is going to speak to my oncologist in Sydney to see if he wants anything else done. 

Everyone in our house is slowly recovering from their injuries, Dad has quite extensive bruising coming out now, it is a yellow colour and actually looks really painful, he is still limping around but has been allowed to go back to work doing light duties.  Mum is still wearing her knee brace but has so much more strength and endurance in her knee.  Nalani has no straight brace now, but has to wear a small patella support one when doing activities.  Jarrett is not going to race this weekend, he wants to make sure his calf nerve problem is fully better as he has the Australian Cross Country  Championships in just three weeks time. 

In Footy Tipping Nana is catching up on me, she is only two behind and Pop has really had a winning burst, he is now only four behind me.  I am disappointed that my Tigers are now sitting in tenth place on the ladder, I am hoping that they will having more success in their next few games and manage to sneak back into the top eight. 
This is a really lovely quote about doing your best, it is from Helen Keller.

"When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.”

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Dear Dear Dainere, OH yes , Meryl and I enjoyed the Gammes opening ceremnoy so much it was spectacular .

The Cauldron lighting was amazing and to think that all those 205 petals will be taken back to each country for them to keep is such a lovely idea .

YOu are so right , it is the taking part that is most important , a medal is a bonus and if you get one , the colour of it does not matter, gold, silver or bronze.

WE have enjoyed the swimming , the equestrian , and the gymnastics .

Yes the Track and field events will be amazing , hopefully the weather holds up and the rain will keep away.

School sounds as interesting as it always does , wow i wish sometimes i was in school again , so interesting these days .

The book sales have gone so well. congratulations Dainere .

OH yes pain is terrible , it is such a shame that you have been going through this for so long now . We hope that the oncologist may be able to suggest something for you . WE will pray harder for you .

Dainere , I remember when i was going through this , i was eating stematol tablets at the max dose , and also having the injections , and when i touched the top of my head , it made me vomit litteraly , oh my dear friend i do know what you are going through. . WE sincerely hope they can make you feel less sick.

Love to mum and dad and hope they recover super quick.

Also best wishes to Nalani and Jarrett , he is being very wise in not running this weekend .

WE are going to a wedding in two weeks time , i meant to mention it to you last time i e mailed you .

Well lots of love , hugs and kisses our dear friend . keep safe , warm and love each other .

love
stuart and meryl
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Anonymous said...

Hello dear Dainere,

I knew that you would enjoy watching the Olympic Games. You understand what it means to push yourself to the limits of your abilities, just like all the elite athletes. It is amazing to see what people can achieve with the right attitude, mountains of hard work - and, of course, some natural talent to begin with!

I am saddened to read that you are experiencing so much pain and nausea. I do hope that your medical team can help you to become more comfortable.

Helen Keller was such an inspiring person; it doesn't surprise me at all that you can identify with what she writes. She, too, managed to achieve goals that others would have considered impossible - just like you.

Stay warm and snug beautiful girl,

Love always,

Anna xoxoxoxox