I have been inspired to run the York 10K Run for All by a beautiful and awesome boy called Gabriel. In November last year I was employed as a care worker for Gabriel. Gabriel had Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. His blisters would often become open wounds which would scar as they healed. He had internal blistering and as such had digestive problems and difficulty swallowing. His knees and fingers were fused from scarring and he became less mobile as he grew older. He had a Gastric peg feed and primarily used a wheelchair for transport. Gabriel needed 24/7 support and care.
I went to his home most evenings to help with his bathing and dressings (a lengthy and painful procedure), administering medications/pain relief and to prepare a vast array of medical supplies. I also quickly became his friend and confidante and his nemesis in great dramatic swashbuckling swordfights. I infuriated him with my awful singing and demands that he become my Spanish tutor. Gabriel always forgave these bad habits and we were never not friends for very long.
After a lengthy deterioration in Gabriel’s health he died in a beautiful and warm place called Martin House surrounded by the unconditional love and light of his parents and dedicated carers. Gabriel left his suffering body on the 25 of March 2010, he had been living in it just short of nine years.
I love Gabriel and I miss him. He was beautiful, kind, precocious, funny, sad, loving, generous, quick-tempered, incredibly intelligent and SO SPANISH!
I miss his voice and the way he pronounced my name.
I miss the way he would flutter his big gorgeous eyelashes at me to get whatever he wanted.
I miss the way he would pout and squint his eyes if he didn’t get exactly what he wanted.
I miss lying down to watch a film with him and getting him ready for bed at night.
But for every time I may cry or the dull ache I feel in my heart when I miss him, I am engulfed in this incredible wave of gratitude and joyous love for having known Gabriel.
I am immeasurably thankful to Iris for having the grace and trust to allow me to become part of his life, and he a part of mine. She is a wild, wonderful woman and mother who exudes selflessness and sincerity. Iris created a beautiful, tender and nurturing nest for her baby. Now that her little sparrow has flown the nest she continues to care for him anyway she can. Thank you for sharing Gabriel with me. Thank you.
Now, I know Gabriel may think it a little funny that I will be dragging my culo grande around York on the 1 of August with enthusiastic and seasoned runners but I am. Anybody who knows me will know exercise and I don’t exactly walk hand in hand together. We barely crawl. So please make it worth my while you lovely people and sponsor me. Any donation is welcome. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on how it all goes. Please feel free to forward this on to as many people as you like. People are kinder than you might think! I am grateful for your friendship and support.
Love and thanks.
http://www.debra.org.uk/
http://www.martinhouse.org.uk/
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-boy-whose-skin-fell-off/4od
http://www.youtube.com/user/fishergateschool#p/u/4/NI39LH655yc
