Sunday 15 April 2012

Day 163: Hard to Swallow

Lunch with a woman who has advanced Huntington's disease. Her central nervous system is shot.  She is in a wheelchair. She cannot control her movements. She cannot speak. She has huge difficulty swallowing. Her husband mixes thickening powder into her drinks, so they can be spooned into her mouth. Less likelihood of choking that way. He is unfailingly calm and kind. It is an appalling situation for both of them.

Feeling seedy and hungover today, but very aware of the immense privilege of normality - to have been able to spend an evening singing, dancing, talking, eating and drinking. Not to be taken for granted. Not today, anyway.

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