Tuesday 3 September 2013

Summer Incentive

Photos Copyright: Maggie May

I've continued to go Gromit hunting throughout the summer and spotted this one......


 and this one..........



and this one.........  Altogether I think I visited about 66 out of the 80 scattered about our city and surroundings, so far. (Except that ones in London.)
This helped me to visit places that I would never have thought of going to before and I think I now know Bristol a bit better than I thought I did before.
I met young people who stopped to talk but far more older people, either alone or in couples. If anyone spies another person with a Gromit map in their hand, then a conversation strikes up. "Have you seen this one?"  "Do you know how to get to such and such a place?" "I can't find this one."
This project has attracted so many people and has given me an incentive to get out and about and I really enjoyed hunting them down.
The weather was extremely warm and dry, which helped.

However, with only a week or so before the wedding, I was battling with not feeling at all well and noticed a couple of lumps in my neck.
My own GP scared me by saying, if I didn't get to Oncology as an emergency, then they would ring from the surgery and book me in.  Of course they had to cover themselves because the nature of the cancer that I'd had previously in 2009, was in the lymph.
I had to wait almost a week to get into the Oncology Clinic and between my GP and the cancer nurse that I spoke to on the phone, I was convinced that I was definitely suffering a recurrence.
I was immediately worrying about how I'd cope with a sick husband and wondered who would be able to look after my rabbits.  (Not the easiest of pets to look after.)
With this in mind, I rang up a lovely lady who runs a small rescue shelter for rabbits and who had told me she would take my bunnies in if I got sick again. So it was arranged that they could be taken in with the possibility of being rehoused after the summer holidays when she'd finished boarding out rabbits.

I was rather surprised to hear that Oncology were not unduly worried about the glands in my neck as they were symmetrical in shape and size and the Consultant thought I was obviously fighting off some illness. She gave me a thorough examination and after finding nothing to be suspicious of, told me to come back in a fortnights time.

My daughter had promised to take Harry back to the east coast with her to give me a break before the wedding. Unfortunately it was the week that I had to wait to see the Oncologist so I was neither well nor relaxed while he was away. I forced myself to Gromit hunt though, so that I wouldn't be moping in the house thinking the worst.
Anyway, Harry came back home in time for the wedding but everyone had been worried and the preparations running up to that week had been tainted by the possibility of my cancer returning.

What will I do about my rabbits? Reluctantly, I have decided to let them go to the Rescue Centre because I believe in the long run it will be for the best. They stand a better chance of getting used to the great outdoors before the winter sets in and before they get used to the central heating in our house. They will be housed most of the time in the owner's huge shed. That lady is nutty about rabbits and has been doing this work for 25 years and is totally dedicated to the cause. She vets out all applicants to see if they are suitable pet owners and she gets everyone to sign a form to promise that they will bring back the pets if it doesn't work out for them and they wouldn't be passed on to a third party who might know nothing about rabbit care.
In the meantime it is breaking my heart and the precious days left with them are slipping away fast.
It is my greatest sacrifice for a long time because I know that sooner or later, I won't be so lucky health wise and I have to think of them longterm....... 



15 comments:

Akelamalu said...

I'm so glad your oncologist isn't worried about the lumps in your neck Maggie, it must have been a terribly worrying week for you. How sad that you have to part with your rabbits a real sacrifice but a very selfless one. I'm sure they will go to good homes. xx

Celia said...

I am so sorry you have to part with your bunnies, you have their welfare in your heart. I'm keeping you in my prayers.

Expat mum said...

The thing to remember here Maggie is that, although they will miss you too, animals adapt very quickly to new situations (for the most part). You are being a good mother! x

dianefaith said...

That is such a neat thing you did -- finding an incentive for yourself so you would not sit at home and worry. Those times when worry comes to stay a while are so trying! I'm glad you got good news. And, I hope you're able to adjust to having the bunnies out of the house. They will be fine; animals are blessed in that they just cope. Lucky critters.

Sally Wessely said...

Oh, this must have been such a difficult decision for you to make. I think it is probably for the best. You have a lot to take care of with your husband. I am thankful to hear that your report from the doctor was good. Also, I love how you went out and did some searching the Gromits. They are cute little critters.

Jackie said...

It is with tears and smiles that I read this post, my sweet friend. Parting with your rabbits has to be incredibly hard for you. As you do the best thing for them, that will ease the pain of letting them go.
I'm happy that your project of Gromit hunting has brought you such joy. That makes my heart smile.
Love to you, Maggie...
Jackie

Hilary said...

Oh Maggie, I'm sorry to hear that you have parted ways with your dear bunnies. It's a kind sacrifice with their best interest in mind. Still, I'm sorry for the ache you must feel. It's been a terrible difficult time for your lately and I hope for better times soon. I'm glad the oncologist was not worried about the lumps. I hope you've relaxed about them also. It's good that you got out to see the Gromits. It helps when you're focused on something fun. Hugs to you.

Jinksy said...

My ten year old granddaughter had tiny lop eared rabbit for her birthday this year and has joined the band of bunny lovers!
All best wishes for your continued good health, Maggie... ♥

Sueann said...

Well I am so relieved to hear of good news so far. And so sorry that you have had to let go of your precious rabbits. I hope you feel better soon and that you enjoy the wedding.
Hugs
SueAnn

Dimple said...

Oh, Maggie, I'm sorry you will be without your pets, but there comes a time to let go, and facing it is the best way. The rescue shelter sounds like the perfect place.
I'm glad you have had something to take your mind away from worry while you're waiting for oncology to do its work, and that they aren't worried. I pray you get a clean bill of health!

Rose said...

Your post made me run through a gamut of emotions--delight in the fun of tracking down all these Gromits then worry about your health to sadness about losing your rabbits. I'm so sorry you have to give them up, but I'm glad you've found such a good home for them. I'm also happy that oncology doesn't seem worried; but it's better to have checked things out at once.

I hope you can continue to get out and about and enjoy fun excursions--the best medicine!

Sandi McBride said...

Maggie Darlin', seems you have had some good news...I know it will be hard to part with your Bunnies but seems you have that all in order, as well. Please know that I have you in my prayers and my heart...hugs to you dear lady
Sandi

Ayak said...

Oh Maggie I feel so sad for you having to part with your rabbits, but you are putting their welfare first and that's very unselfish. They will be fine. Now you need to focus on yourself, and stay well. The gromit hunting is a good distraction.

Family Affairs said...

How sad for you - just catching up! So much going on for you....glad you're still being strong and good luck with the rabbit move! Lx

RNSANE said...

Oh, Maggie, thank the Lord that your lumps were not a recurrence of cancer. You have enough on your mind!! I know your heart breaks at saying goodbye to your rabbits. Will you be able to visit them?

How wonderful that you found such a good placement for them!!!