President's Pen
LOVING LEVEL 1 By Kim Porthouse Hi everyone, Isn't it great to be at level 1? I hope you got through lockdown without too many issues for your loved ones. For us, Brendon got a bit of cabin fever and this was exhibited by him being a bit grumpier than his usual general happy-go-lucky self during the last few weeks. With his heart condition, he was in isolation from when the government announced all high-risk individuals should stay home, so his lockdown lasted from mid-March right through to the start of level one. He is very glad and enjoying to at last be back at most of his work opportunities and activities. For me, as a midwife and an essential worker, it felt that not much really changed - I still went off to work, there were of course some increased hygiene precautions but mostly the work was the same. It did seem very strange not having any visitors in the hospital and I certainly felt for women that were unable to have their family around at such an important time of their life. I actually found I enjoyed the quieter roads and not having the extra running around to do! For our family COVID-19 also bought about an opportunity. My other son Chris and his fiancee Nikita decided that level 2 brought about the perfect chance to have a small intimate wedding. So after 5 years of engagement and with just two weeks’ notice they organised their wedding and were married on the 30th May with just 25 guests (15 guests had just 5 days’ notice after the change in gathering size was announced!) It turned out to be a lovely day that we all enjoyed immensely including the very happy couple. Brendon just absolutely loved the occasion and as he usually chooses to be non-verbal, it was a special moment when the bride arrived and clearly for all to hear he said "Awesome Nikita" with both thumbs up and a huge grin! On another note, I hope you all have taken the chance to check out our new website which was
21
Brendan Porthouse, with brother Chris and his bride Nikita
launched for World Down Syndrome Day and registered your membership, you all should have received an email at the time with member login details. If you didn't receive an email it means we don’t have your up-to-date email address, please ring Linda on 0800 NZDSAI (press 2) to update your details and get your log-in. It's very exciting to finally have this up and running and be able to provide easier access to a much wider range of up-to-date information. Well with winter now upon us, I encourage all to keep up with the hand hygiene and help to keep not only COVID-19 at bay but also those normal winter colds and flu's. Keep warm, keep well.