***Weekend Chat-It's the XFactor Final Tonight! Come on in for a natter 12/13 Dec***

elfen

Am I allowed to be really happy about Bradley and Stacey? I've always thought they should be together, he's been there for her through everything, Just proves there are good men out there (even in soaps)

Toto

I've just had an emotional meltdown... bloody hormones.

There are a ton of stupid little things which are just making me a bit AAGGHHHHH at the moment. Today was just the final straw.

Do you remember the respite thing I'd finally got sorted for Abs? It only took 10 years to get something agreed from social services. Well, she started on the program, introducing her to the place. For a few weeks I've been taking her over for visits, explaining to her how she can go there for a day every 2 weeks to have fun. Slowly she started to warm to the idea and we tried longer visits without me.

So, the arrangement was that she would go from school for a tea visit once a week before we tried the overnight. And, that's where it all went wrong. The school completely messed it up, they kept putting her on the wrong bus, dragging her off and sticking her in the classroom before they finaly worked out which bus was the right one, by then a very upset and confused abby turned up at the respite and within minutes they called me to ask me to collect her because she was smashing her head against a wall and was totally out of control. 3 times this happened until I finally said, enough, she is not to go from school, in fact we are going to have to start over, gradually taking her for an hour or so with me there. I've not heard any more from the respite people about new dates... Abs is absolutely determined she is not going there ever again, even the name of the place starts a meltdown, she sees the whole thing as something horrible because of all of the stress with the wrong busses.

So, the other day the respite place called me to ask if Abs would like to go to their christmas party. It was this afternoon and it was in a local golf club so a nice neutral place. I said we'd love to go, I figured it would be something nice for her to do and the respite people would be there so she might start to think of it as fun.

So, I went and got Abby a new party dress, new sparkly shoes, she loved dressing up at the wedding so much, she's always asking for a new wedding dress. I thought, perhaps she could wear her new princess dress when she goes to respite, so, I spent £80 on a whole new outfit (out of her disability money).

I spent 3 hours today telling her where we were going and how much fun it would be. Ordinarily Abs isn't keen on partys, they are a bit too busy and loud for her, so I avoided using that word. I assumed that because this was a christmas party for children with severe learning difficulties it wouldn't be too noisy or crowded for her.

Getting ready was all a bit stressful, but we managed, eventually. I got in the car, punched the postcode into the sat nav and set off. Got lost (stupid bloody tomtoms). Got there, late.

I walked up the path of the golf club and thought, did I take the exit marked wembley stadium by mistake? My ears were begging for mercy and I'd not even made it to the door. Never mind, I thought, they must have put the respite party at the other end of the building. I honestly couldn't believe it when I walked in and saw a sign (quivering) pointing me into a room no bigger than the average living room with Dave's mobile torture device up the corner blasting 'so here it is merry christmas, everybody's having fun'.

Abs screamed and covered her ears, the baby shot up my trouser leg, I dropped the changing bag sending the contents flying. So, there I am on the floor trying to grab what felt like a dozen angry chimpanzees while grabbing a suitcase worth of essential baby items from under tables and between people's feet. A woman tapped me on the back, it was the woman who had done all of Abby's assessments for the respite. 'Hi' she said, 'I didn't see you come in, are you having fun?' 'Pardon'? I said. 'Are you having fun'? I lip read. 'not really' I mouthed back at her 'it's a bit loud', 'yes' she giggled.' Can they turn it down? Abs really can't cope with this'. 'Pardon'? she shouted 'Can you ask Dave the !!!!head to turn this down'? I yelled. She glared at me before saying 'That's my husband'.

And then we left. The whole party lasted 4 minutes for us.

I got all tearful in the car home which probably wasn't a bad thing to be honest because I can see the funny side now, even though I feel like bashing my own head off the nearest wall over this respite thing. I can't see us getting an invite back anytime soon.

The worst thing is... I'm going to be 40 in 2 days

sammy115

where you been Spud....

spud30

sammy115 wrote: »

where you been Spud....

Just lurking Sammy. Nowt of any interest to say :cool:

sammy115

Oh toto...that is awful for you and Abs. I hate childrens parties myself, the last one I took Chloe too was in a soft play centre and I nearly had a meltdown then. So it must have been so much worse for Abs........

Glad you can see the funny side now though....sending a :grouphug: to you....

spud30

Toto, dont let being 40 get you down chick. It was mine 6 months ago, and it really is just a number you know

So sorry the party didnt go well. It sounds very badly planned considering the guest list. Maybe if that's the way the respite place organises things, you're both better off staying away

sammy115

spud30 wrote: »

Just lurking Sammy. Nowt of any interest to say :cool:

Doesn't matter....i misses you when you aren't around...:rolleyes:

sammy115

Getting to 40 is okay actually.....now getting to 45.......humph!

spud30

sammy115 wrote: »

Doesn't matter....i misses you when you aren't around...:rolleyes:

Ahh thanks hun :kisses3:

Avvie changed just for you xxx

tenmah

Oh blimey Toto, what a nightmare!

Do people have no idea......