Diversity and Amy

 I have been worrying for weeks about going to Brighton with mum and the girls. At one point I thought with Amy being so ill I would have to cancel it. But that would not be fare on Sophie, she has been so good through all of this and just helping where she can. Sophie loves her sister and I know if I said we could not go she would have excepted it, but I also knew how much it meant to her and after all maybe it would be good for Amy? So we went, three days and two nights in Brighton, staying at the Holiday in on the sea front, it has disabled parking at the hotel so no looking for unicorns (sorry I mean parking). I did phone the hotel and they reserved a space for us which was one less thing to worry about.

Driving down on Good Friday, I thought the traffic would be horrendous as the news are always saying it's one of the worst days to travel on, but we did fine and arrived by lunch time. Nice lunch in the hotel and Amy was doing OK. She even managed to walk across the road and down to the beach (it was pretty chilly though) had an ice cream and a walk on the pebble beach, by then I could see Amy had had enough and so we went back. 

The room was not one at the front overlooking the sea (I guess I messed that up) but we did have a big room with plenty of space to move around and room for Amy's chair. Amy was upset when she found it was not a room at the front but I talked her round in the end. Helped in part by two Seagulls outside our window, I think guest must be feeding them as they stayed in the area all the time and... yes, we fed them! 

I was very pleased that Amy stayed with us for dinner and we went next door to one of the best Chinese restaurants we have ever been to. The food is wonderful and having been going there for 15 plus years the always give us a warm welcome.  By the time dinner was over Amy was flagging and she was asleep almost before she got into bed. 

Saturday was the day of the show, Amy seemed OK if a little 'away with the fairies'. We had meet and greet tickets and it was only a short walk from the hotel. We did use the wheelchair and I was very pleased we did as Amy was in and out all the time.

When it was our turn for us to see the guys, I could see they were a little surprised to see Amy in a wheelchair, I did give the a rough outline of what was going on and I did get a little upset (this annoyed me). The guys as always were amazing and so kind with Amy, she did know who they were and was very happy to see them even though she was very 'out there'. Sophie was over the moon to see the guys and had a load of cuddles (as did we all). Then Ashley said to go back to the merchandise stand (I had brought Amy a bear before going in) and get whatever we wanted!!!!!

 

 

 

The show was wonderful although Amy struggled at times and we did get some tears. Then at the end of the show when they were doing all the bowing and stuff Ashley pointed Amy out and asked everyone to wish Amy better, and everyone cheered. Amy had never felt so special as this happened just as she was having a clear moment.

By the time we got back to the hotel she was exhausted (as was I, I did not realise how stressed out I was). After a nap she said she was well enough for dinner so we went back to China Garden for dinner....we like there food.

Once back at the hotel Amy was chatting away as always to the invisible people but was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. Sophie was fine and had a few games of cards with nanny.

Then on Sunday we packed up slowly after breakfast and made our way home. Brilliant drive, makes such a difference only a few lorries around as almost everything is closed on Easter Sunday.