Sophies Gift

As the year draws to close it becomes that time of year when reluctantly you sit down and contemplate. I ask myself this, what have I learn't?

Its difficult to put into words the emotions that have passed or those about to consume me, but paradigms can be drawn, reflected and built upon. I know not of which, that will be come important but suffice to say my daughter has left an impact on all who meet her.

Since her accident in 2007, she has astounded her own Neuro surgeon who remains to this day 'ceasing to be amazed', and continues her slow slog to a recovery of sorts. When one sees Sophie it is difficult to comprehend how terrible her injuries are. She is a bright 19 yr old who loves her football, her music and above all else her stories, as she was a fanatical book reader who studied English, Philosophy and Sociology.

It is this quest for knowledge and her age that people believe is the reason for her recovery. As a father I know she is one determined lady that will strive at nothing less than fulfilling her dreams.

Sophie was transferred from Bath in 2009 to a specialist Neuro Rehabilitation Unit nearer to home of the family's choice. Her progress at Bath was not one that the family were hoping for and met with constant sadness as other patients woke up, spoke up and walked out. Bath was a hospital environment and the PCT (Hospital Trust funding Sophie's stay) said she had long enough to make progress and time was now to move on. We trawled all the recommended homes and met with despair as how they thought Sophie should be looked after and we repeatedly reminded them that Sophie was not 60 but 19!! She doesn't want to look at pictures of brains on the walls in hospital environments, she doesn't want to be limited to one poster and a 19" TV in a hospital ward - just in case. She's a teenager, bring on the posters of Johnny Depp, Peter Andre, a 32" TV, sitting around the table with others, doing craft, ice skating (there lies another story), Stephen Fry Podcasts, Johnny Depp personal calls, panto etc etc.

Hence the discovery of the rehab unit we found in Bournemouth. She has her own room and her diary is FULL, and I mean FULL. We even have to make our own appointments to see her. Since she has come here, she is now taking food orally - every day, she is opening and closing her hand, she actively participates in getting up and dressing.

As we say in the family, "shes on a roll"!

Sophie came home for Christmas, which was the best present for her brother Tom, her two sisters Ella and Lucie. Sophie's sense of humour has developed and the first chuckle came from one of Tom's appalling jokes. Does she talk? Not yet but we witnessed something magical over Christmas! Fast asleep and dreaming Sophie talks in her sleep, words that were legible and clear. Another facet of her amazing abilities to draw upon in 2010.

Will Sophie come home? Yes she will, and we are hoping 2010 will be the year. Its a complex legal process being deliberately drawn out by the defendants solicitors. They have to provide a new house for the family for Sophie to live in, thats the bit they don't like and they will do everything in their power to convince the court she will not make 5 years. The other part that hurts is that Sophie's case is quite clear, and liability accepted and her injuries legitimate. Every expert that has seen her admits she deserves the best for the rest of her natural life, and the longer she is away from her family the more detrimental to her recovery! So the game being played now is one of money and NOT in the best interests of Sophie.

I feel sad for Sophie and the thousands of others who have to endure the insurance facade. More importantly however strong I must be for my wife and children in their quest to have a daughter/sister home, my strength is waning and my belief fading as I see the solicitors line their pockets and the experts file their invoices.

Its a crazy crazy life we lead, but sometimes common sense must prevail, musn't it?

Andrew