Seasonal Greetings - and better news of Son's Mental Health Treatment

Hello All,

I have been too busy to write much recently - Tom has continued in hospital, after his last bout of mental illness and alcohol misuse; we were able to get him admitted again after a period of struggle and doubt. We have been busy visiting him and helping him sort things out - plus all the usual Christmas shopping, writing cards and messages, and other activities that go on this time of year (if you celebrate Xmas that is). I've also been busy with extra teaching duties - rounding off the term's work and following up queries from students. So no time to write my blog - perhaps some will be relieved... Has anyone actually been reading this??

Tom was back in the hospital for a week when we had some good news - he has been offered a definite place in the alcohol Rehabilitation centre as from January 2005. At first we thought it would be early in January - now we know it is to be Jan. 14th or 15th - fortunately, not a day I am teaching or giving a talk. We had fought to get him considered for a Rehab; but then he turned this one down at first - it is in a not very nice part of London, Camberwell, near Peckham and Brixton, where you get a few murders and violent crimes. But beggars can't be choosers! This is what we are offered, so Tom is taking it - and the atmosphere in the hostel was very good - a strong sense of peace and safety. So he is going for it.

Meanwhile he is going to many AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetings to fight against any urge he may get to drink. This time he does not want to risk having another relapse, and must fight his tendency to drop badly in mood; thus he has to keep going to as many meetings as he can (to "be in the rooms" as they say). Even on New Year's Eve, there is a local AA party - with food and drinks, but no booze! This means they will not feel they are missing out on the celebrations of another new year.

As he is now out of Pagoda Mental Health ward for Christmas - on a long "leave" period - he will miss the Christmas party they are due to have there. But he gave out Christmas greeting cards, and joined in putting up the decorations - it all looked very festive. We were still going for afternoon walks with Tom in Richmond Park - the weather was a lot colder - the leaves have long gone from the trees, and it still looked very beautiful. The deer were gathered in huge herds by the roadside.

I have not yet had time to put up decorations at home - we will have a tree, and I shall hang up the cards on streamers - but I have written and sent nearly all our cards by now (it is my job, as the woman of the household!). Every year I think the card list should get shorter, but it stays the same - new names get added as others drop off. There are many old contacts of my late daughter Alice, and various others who were kind to us in the past - we must remember them. My church (the Jesus Fellowship), perhaps oddly, does not celebrate Christmas, as they say Jesus was born at some other time, and this is a pagan festival "made over" - but I like to join in the giving and socialising, and enjoy the decorations and good food. I don't like the over-commercialisation, and the drunken rowdiness or misconduct that goes on... We have to hide any wine and spirits in our house, because of Tom. Dave and I enjoy a drink (but in moderation), to relax or celebrate.

Now I am signing off - so I am wishing any who read this a Merry Christmas and a good, happy year in 2005. I hope there will once again be peace in the world, and that for us - Tom will settle down, stay sober, remain well and benefit from his Rehab experience. Blessings to all -

Love, Tigey.