Mike and Gavin

At the beginning of this year Gavin ordered a new car, the thinking being to replace his 6 year old car while he was still working, and before he retires. The new car arrived when he was in hospital and it was a tricky decision to make whether to go ahead with it or not. However, earlier in the year I looked at changing my car which is now 8 years old and costing a fair amount in services,  but ended up not doing anything about it. The long and short of it is that we decided to get the new car he ordered as I will also use it. That meant this morning we went to get the new car and Gavin is very pleased with it.

This afternoon, Mike came to visit Gavin - he is Gavin's oldest and dearest friend who lives in South Africa. They have been friends since primary school and have a lifetime of memories of all the things they have done together - run marathons, start a business together, holiday together and many more escapades. He is also Luke's godfather. It was lovely to see Mike again, a real tonic for Gavin and he was very touched that Mike made the effort to come all the way to see him. Gavin looks quite happy and healthy in this photo with Mike, the extra maybe a little more like reality. Poor Gavin has lost so much weight that his clothes are hanging loosely on him.

Adam also facetimed us this afternoon and he also had a chat with Mike. It was a lovely sunny day and we sat outside on the patio all afternoon.

Gavin is doing well and is visibly stronger every day. Today was the first time he did not have to lie down after eating a meal, as usually his belly gets painful after eating.