TINA SHARP

Hello Scope,

Hope all is going well.

I am just checking in as its now 4 years since Tina, my sister passed away. I can officially tell you, time is not a great healer! I miss her more than ever. I miss the disabled cerebral palsy world!

I do regulary visit Birchwood and check in on some of Tina neighbours. It is hard,and I have to keep away from Tinas old room and as long as Im having a laugh with the residents, I manage it. We lost another resident at the beginning of this year, Debbie.

We have a bench dedicated to Tina in the back garden and some beautiful glass garden structures in the colours Tina liked.

I was reminded the other day, of a visit with Tina , to a London hospital, to see the countries top kidney stone surgeon. We went in his office together and he started explaining to me directly , about what was going on with Tinas stones. I didnt understand what was going on, as he spoke like I had a degree in stones, but I could see out of the corner of my eye, Tina madly typing away a message on her lightwriter. Suddenly all in the middle of his spiel, Tina banged the say it button, interrupting him,

I understand everything you say!

There was a short awkward silence , I just smiled and the Dr turned to face Tina and continued his diagnosis. After that experience, over her the years and visits to this DR, he always made an absolute point, of waiting for Tina to reply to him ,on the LW. Once he even shot off down the coridoor, remembered and came back. Its these funny memories I hope I can always keep.

We also lost an art teacher back in May, Shiv. She was devasted when Tina went and wrote this little poem underneath.

Tina,

Blasts through doors that ought to open, but dont

Dances her wheelchair as precise as a ballerina

Has more grit than a brick

Holds her loved ones dear and fierce

Shares joy and sadness with her whole being

Says exactly what she thinks

Loves partying , ladybirds, making art, the colour

yellow, making us laugh= If your not mad when you come here, you soon will be

The strongest of wills and so much more

This is the Tina I shall remember forever