I am spending as much time with Anthony as possible before Ming and I go to Sydney for five days. Yes, anyone would think we were going to the moon for a year but I do worry, mainly because I was unable to visit Anthony for so long when I was in hospital. I know my mother will visit him every day (she is absolutely wonderful) but there is something quite visceral about the way he misses me that has nothing whatsoever to do with cognition.
It is more to do with the passing of time; the longer the gaps between my visits, the more he suffers the unspoken pain of simply missing me – just my presence.
Today, I stayed with Anthony for hours, feeding him his lunch in the common dining room where he often is now; taking him back to his room to half-watch Dr Phil, Master Chef and Judge Judy; him listening speechlessly to the rapid pace of the conversation I had with my mother when she visited; looking bewildered as I left, until I promised to bring more chocolate.
At one point (it was probably one of Judge Judy’s calmer moments), I said, “This is great, isn’t it, Ants.” I had purposefully put my hand between both of his, then tucked them under his knee rug.
“Magnificent” he said.
jmgoyder 
magnificent – love that
What a man.
Enjoy your trip, Julie. xx
love him all you can.
I hope Anthony gets through the five days without you.
He will be fine but I get why and how you worry about not seeing him
Julie, I am so glad you are now well and can be there for Anthony. Your illness sounded so scary! Have a safe journey. Your work to spread knowledge is so important. Love you, ~L