Hello Roomsponsors,
It’s been a while since I’ve blogged and things have been a bit hectic. I am still at college and have just finished the spring term. I passed all my assignments and I’m on course to pass this year. I’ve been thinking about what to do after college – I still have a year left but there is no harm in planning. I think I would like to get a job in computer server management or database management. The other option is to stay at college and do another two years, but because of my age I would have to pay for the second year and I don’t know if I could do that.
I’m not sure if I mentioned it before but I have also moved to a satellite accommodation. Once a young person has progressed enough in the programmes they get moved on to more independent living. I’m really happy to be living more independently now, although it’s a bit scary as I am discovering the realities of living by myself. I am really happy
Where I am though and look forward to making it more homely and a space I have always wanted.
I think I told you about the international youth course my support worker got me on last time. Sadly, I was unable to attend the second part in Ireland. The reason for this was because my mum passed away due to alcohol related liver failure.
My mum was only 45 so it was a big shock. Her funeral was lovely – I was able to carry the coffin and the place was full of people. I feel a mixture of emotions about her passing – I am sad but also relieved, I guess, happy even, that she is no longer suffering. My mum kicked me out, so during the last months of her life our relationship was estranged. I feel so angry because it was the alcohol; the alcohol dependency was what ruined our relationship. Then alcohol destroyed her body and killed her. There is a lot of anger I feel, but I guess that’s normal.
Also, my younger sister was taken into care. I wasn’t able to see her for a while but my support worker helped me massively and now I have visitation every two weeks. It is supervised time, which means it is at a controlled environment and someone sits in the corner and writes down everything I say to her. It is horrible; I hate it. But seeing her is so good. My step dad is currently in the process of trying to get her back to the family home. He has also stopped drinking, which is good.
I withdrew a lot from my support workers during this time; I found it difficult to talk about what was going on. In a way I also wanted to face it by myself – this is the hardest thing I have ever been through. I knew the support staff was there for me and when I reached out they helped me massively.
I want to say a massive thank you to you all. Your support and kind words mean so much to me. The last few months have been so hard, it’s been exhausting and a real struggle, but because of YMCA I’m not alone. I haven’t had to do it all by myself. I cannot thank my support worker enough for helping me gain access to my little sister. I would be lost without the support of all the staff.
So yeah, that’s me for another blog. Hope to hear from you, and I will write again soon.
Best wishes,
Mark