After the lockdown had been eased in the UK in early July, (The 4th I think: Independence Day) the people who I help to support were finally ‘Let of the leash’ so to speak. They had been locked in for months because they had been collectively labelled “Extremely vulnerable and highly susceptible to contracting the dreaded virus”. So when the green light was given, all the staff worked collaboratively and independently to take them out of their ‘Prison’ and get them back out into society. I was asked if I was willing to take one of the more ‘Challenging’ guys out a couple of days a week. This particular chap has a multitude of learning disabilities and can be very unpredictable in a funny-ish way.
I knew that it would be potentially dangerous for him to come into direct contact with other people (He cannot understand the wearing of the mask concept and violently refuses to wear it) The only option was to drive into the countryside (Which is quite challenging because he is constantly kicking my elbow, especially when I’m trying to change gear) and find a park to push him around in his wheelchair.
It was a task in itself to keep my eyes on his trainers because I quickly discovered that he doesn’t like to wear them. On one occasion I took him for a leisurely push around a lake in the country only to realise that he had kicked his trainers off without me noticing! So I had to backtrack for about half a mile and scan the tree lined puddled path until I spotted them. After that first occasion, I bought him some long thick socks and didn’t bother putting trainers or shoes on his feet! I also discovered I could possibly have been a goalkeeper or a cricketer because everytime he had finished his cup of tea he would throw his cup, one of which was lost because it ended up floating in a duck pond!
The photograph below captures the back of his head (Obviously for anonymity reasons) but this one is very recent. (I think he enjoys getting out and about but I can’t really say if he does) The photographs below the first one are from another occasion that deserve a whole blog to itself, which will eventually follow this one.



As one who has had relatives in the same position as those you support and who may one day be there myself, thanks for what you do.
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Thank you my friend. It’s my last few weeks of doing this type of work. I hope you are safe and well 😊
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That’s a very noble act you’re performing. I suspect your curmudgeon appreciates the open air time and your humanity, too lacking in recent years everywhere. He’s a bit, I think, like the man Dylan Thomas wrote about; he’s ‘raging at the dying (of his) light awkwardly, wryly while he still can make a fist. The last stanza of the poem reads: “you, …there on that sad height, curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears. Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
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I guess you could be right and that’s a very interesting way of looking at his situation. The chap in question can’t talk, but he makes several noises that cannot be understood. But he has a huge, fun loving character. Maybe you’re right Jo, maybe he is raging against what fate has given him. Thank you for reading and commenting ♥️
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You were a true blessing to this man. God’s peace!
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I don’t know if I’m a blessing buddy but thank you very much for saying that 👍👍
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You’re wonderful ❤
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I’m not really, but thank you 😊♥️
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You are. I’ve sensed that it’s not quite ‘just a job’ with you. That’s something really wonderful ❤
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Thank you for saying that. Means alot ♥️
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I would feel very peaceful if I was there being taken on that walk. He must have too. Sans sneakers, of course, hehe. But free feet are so much better anyway……… 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Haha yea, I don’t blame him for going trainer free …
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Haha. I don’t blame him for going trainer free Sel, it’s liberating…..
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I know you had to go looking for them, though. At least you found them!
Glad to know you’re staying well, in the meantime, too.
Trying not to lose my mind here. We’re watching the election, which is way too close at the moment. It’s baffling!
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Yea, they were laying in the middle of the path ! Untouched by ducks 🤪 Strangely, I’m I’m watching the election right now. Which ways it gonna go ?!?
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A very challenging task! Great that you take care of these guys!
Don’t forget to take care of yourself too!🙂
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It is very challenging, but in more ways it’s rewarding. Thanks very much, I try to. Hope you take care of yourself as to 😊👍
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Such are the realities which should be publicised. Well done
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You’re right Derrick, the realities are never seen or heard of on mainstream media. Hope you and the family are well ?
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We are thanks, John
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Good to hear 👍
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Lovely story 🙂
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Thanks very much my friend 👍😊
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You are great
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I’m not great but thank you for saying that ♥️
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U r doing commendable job 👍👍🎉
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Thanks very much dear 👍♥️
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I’m flattered, but I’m not really doing much. But thank you ♥️
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😊you are an inspiration for many Sir 🙏🙏😊
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Thank you very much 😊👍
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Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them.
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Ok !!!
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Hello Mr john 👋,how are you doing today??? thanks for your response on 👍
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Must have been very hard for those guys being kept indoors all the time. I know you’re not seeking praise, but I’m glad there are people like you doing their best for others.
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Thanks Kev. Yea, it’s difficult to understand how they feel or if they understand what’s going on with the lockdown. But they paced the house and became extremely manic at times.
They relaxed a little bit after lockdown had ended but now it’s back it will effect them.
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The world needs more people like you!
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I think there are hundreds of people like me but thank you ♥️
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Many years back, I had a similar position, working with the developmentally disabled. This post recalled to me the many adventurous outings we took our “clients” on. I recall one amazing trip the shopping mall where one of our folks, a kid who loved to jump in water, kept leaping into the indoor decorative fountain.
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That sounds funny but challenging. It’s never easy but it can be amusing if you’re able to see the funny side.
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Reminds me of what it means to be humane and giving. To live with a heart that has space for the anonymous, the forgotten, the challenging
Salute
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Sending good wishes your way. 🙏
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Thanks very much Rupali, much appreciated 👍👍
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Well- done
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Thank you very much Athira 😊👍
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Most welcome..your blog is amazing
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That’s very nice of you to say so, very much appreciated Athira ♥️
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🙏🏻
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I’m sure that he does enjoy going out and about with you as I’m sure if he didn’t he would have kicked off his shoes before getting in the car! He probably felt at home enough with you to kick them off while he was out 😊
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How kind you are! This post helped affirm that there are really decent people in the world.
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Thank you Kerry, I’m sure there are thousands like me 😊👍
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Many years ago I volunteered with the Down’s Syndrome Association in Scotland. Trying to help one lady get into a swimsuit in a tiny changing room at the baths had me laughing and crying. She put both legs in one leg hole…still she had a fabulous time.
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🤣🤣🤣 that’s brill. People with Downs are a lot of fun and very loving
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In Texas, many people with learning disabilities work as packers in grocery stores. Their relentless upbeat attitude makes us all smile.
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Wow that’s brilliant. The guys who I care for and support are all extremely severe with learning disabilities, so they’re not capable of working in any capacity.
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Your empathy and generosity will not go unnoticed by the powers to be.
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Thank you Kimberley, appreciated 👍👍😊
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This is just a lovely piece.😍
Sending all strength and good wishes your way 💕
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It is a really nice place and it’s not to far away from where I live. Thank you very much for reading and the same wishes to you 😊♥️
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Yes, the place is indeed a beautiful one..!🥰
You have the privilege of visiting this wonderful beauty of nature whenever you need to then🙂
It was my great pleasure reading this piece.🧡
Have a great day.
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Yes, I can go whenever I get the chance. It’s just one of a multitude of places I can drive to in the area where I live. Thank you again for reading and commenting Akshita, I truly appreciate it 😊👍♥️
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So lucky of you…!😌😌
Sending you all the good vibes your way. Stay safe and sound 🧡
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You’re probably right Akshita, I think I am lucky living close too so much beauty.
Sending you the same wishes ♥️
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Yeasss, Indeed you are…!🙂
Not all get to see the very beauty if this beautiful nature.🧡
Have a lovely day 🌸
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Thank you and have a beautiful day 😊👍
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Wishing you the same back 🙂🧡
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I so get this. I took care of disabled people for 4 years and going outside with them was a very important thing for them and for me. Blessings on you and your work. Be safe and well! 🙂
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Thanks Polly. It’s a job that has its ups and downs I guess, but it’s worth it. Hope you’re safe and well 😊👍
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I’m taking care of the elderly in a hospital at present. It’s stressful, what we do. It takes patience and a broad sense of humour, for sure! 😀
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Ahhhhhh ok. Yes it definitely helps if you’ve got a good sense of humour. It’s my last few weeks of doing this sort of work but I’ve enjoyed most of it 😊👍
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Great work yours
heartfelt congratulations
The care with which you follow this guy is great
I wish you and your family a peaceful week
Hi Monica
🙂
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Hi Monica, thank you and best wishes for you and your family 😊👍
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🙂
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Hello you 💯💢💥
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Peace…Goodwill on Earth. I found it here in this post. God bless you and the gentleman in your photograph also. I was listening to Silent Night as I read this and truly felt peace.
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Thank you dear. 😊 let’s hope this Christmas is better than the rest of the year.
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Yes. ❤
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Nice, Looking forward to more posts!
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Thank you Ahmad 👍
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You’re welcome!
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Hey John, Good morning to you 🙂
Here’s wishing you a jolly good morning and to help you celebrate this Thursday with some style – you are one of our guest Stars – hope you enjoy Queen and KC 🙂
https://aguycalledbloke.blog/2020/12/10/the-hello-334/
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Good afternoon mate. Hope you’re well. Yes I love Queen and KC, thanks very much pal 👍👍👍
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Always a pleasure John 🙂
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Thank you very much 😊 there are lots of very good blogs and writers on WordPress.
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Amazing!!
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Thanks Shristy 😊 I don’t do that job anymore but I kind of miss it.
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