Day 2,174 (still not) in the Nanny June Care Home

The One With My Precious; a transcript of our phone call.

Hello. It’s Elizabeth. How are you?

Oh.... I’m can’t do the getting dressed... think of what I am supposed to... errr... can’t get the can’t get the…

How are you doing - are you okay?

I can’t. With… trying to. Not anything.

I know. You can’t get the words out.

I.. very frustrate... I can’t.

Maybe you need a cup of tea or coffee and some cake. That might help.

Why?

A cup of coffee and some cake fixes most things.

No. I don’t… can’t…

Maybe you are a bit tired. Maybe have a sleep? A nap?

Sleep? Now? In the day? Why?

It’s okay. Don’t worry.

How are you?

Actually, my feet feel very cold!

Why are your feet can’t feel?

I am not sure. Probably because I don’t have socks on.

How are they all? The children?

They are good. We are on half term so we went out for a few walks. We went swimming last week too.

Swimming? You? Went swimming?

Yes. Yes.

What are they now? The children?

They are 9 years old, 7 years old and 5 years old.

Oh. You are must be… can’t have much.

Busy. Yes - most people say I must have my hands full.

How are mum and dad?

Not sure, I haven’t seen them for a while

Oh... I can’t. Umm. Errr. My words. Don’t.

I know.

How are our other sisters? Who are they?

>inserts a brief history of siblings<

I am not your sister though. I am you daughter. Elizabeth.

Yes. Daughter, you are my. Errr. You are. Ummm. My

*long pause*

Precious.

I haven’t seen you in a while. Sorry about that.

I know. Why?

There is a flu going around and I don’t want to risk giving it to you.

I don’t mind.

I know. But other people do. And I don’t want to make you ill.

Oh.

It has been a long time since I came to see you properly. And about two months since I came to visit.

I can’t remember. My... err memory. Is umm...

I know. Don’t worry. I will see you again when I can.

I should umm.. go and lie down.

Okay. Thanks for calling me precious. I miss seeing you.

Well you are. You are precious. Bye then.

Bye.

A member of the care home staff comes on the phone and I am crying.

We can do this more often she says.

The trouble is I don’t want to do it more often, it is too emotionally challenging.

You have to what is right for you as well she says.

Another phonemail is scheduled for a fortnight.