Now recuperating as a Grandad

Hi everyone!

It's now nearly two weeks since leaving hospital, and I am starting to feel partly human. Sure, the throat is still very sore, and I'm still on fentanyl pain medication, but life is getting better. The aftereffects of pneumonia are still there; my chest still rattles, and every now and again there is a large amount of mucous that needs to be coughed up, with lots of spluttering.

I have my after-treatment review with Professor Corry on the 12th March so I'm looking forward to that. The last time I saw her was during a drug-induced fog when I was getting my second nasal feeding tube inserted.

The biggest news however, has been the safe arrival of my first grandchild! Yes, I am now a grandfather. I'm not sure if I'm ready to be called that, as I certainly don't feel like a grandfather, but, there you have it: I am.

His name is Oliver, and he arrived in the evening on the 1st March. He's absolutely beautiful. Claire and I were lucky enough to get to visit and cuddle him and I picked him up with great trepidation. He's so small, and I was so worried about dropping, bumping, or otherwise breaking him! Silly I know, but, you forget how small they are in those early days. I managed to have my feeding tube removed 48 hours beforehand, so I'm glad my first photos with my grandchild have me without a tube! I do look like an undernourished skull, but that's ok :)


Here's the happy new family: Andrew, Elizabeth and Oliver. I was often asked during Elizabeth's pregnancy if I wanted a boy, a girl, and I always answered the same: I just want a safe arrival of a healthy baby where everyone is ok. When Elizabeth went into labour, I must admit to worrying and hoping that I would get my wish. I'm so glad that's what happened.

I've already received Elizabeth's permission to take Oliver out on steam train rides, and I'm sure that he will be a volunteer locomotive engineman at Puffing Billy one day, just like me.


Very proud newly-minted grandmother and grandfather!


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