Stories and Photos
WAYNE'S STORY
It's Sunday midday and early autumn in Perth. In the back garden of the Traynor family home, preparations are under way for a gathering. The barbeque has been made ready, the outdoor table and chairs have been set up, and food and drinks are being organized. This is a meeting of Wayne's Network, a group of family and friends who have been getting together on a regular basis for the last eighteen months.
Wayne's life changed dramatically eight years ago as a result of bacterial pneumococcal meningitis that left him with an acquired brain injury. His life on the road as a long distance truck driver in far flung parts of Australia came to an end, and was replaced with moving back to Perth to be cared for by his parents. Colin and Val, who are in their early seventies, had planned their own life on the road once all of their four children were off their hands. The caravan has spent more time in the car port than they would like, however, and life these days includes a regular round of appointments and contact with various services, not to mention ongoing worry about the future.
People begin to arrive just before midday. Greetings are exchanged with Wayne and his parents, Colin and Val. Someone has brought a cake to keep everyone going until it's time for lunch, and this is shared around. Wayne is presented with a gift by another Network member - it's a Harley Davidson motorbike, just a small model and not the real thing that Wayne dreams of someday owning, but he appreciates the gesture and it will be put on display.
Eventually everyone has arrived - a group of twelve people in all for this meeting. In addition to Wayne and his parents, the friends and family members in the Network are John, Rayma, Betty, Deans, Carolyn, Lesley, Michelle, John, and Andy.
There is a buzz of conversation as people catch up with each other. The conversation is postponed until lunch as the business of the meeting begins. Margaret, the PIN Facilitator, asks for an update on how things are going. Wayne has had an up and down time recently - he has lost his part time support worker and although arrangements are being made for a replacement, Wayne is at risk of losing the routine and activities that have been developed. On a good note, there has been the opportunity to spend a week in the caravan park on the south coast - a long established family ritual that includes fishing, being outdoors, and walks on the beach.
Wayne has memories of his previous life as a long distance truck driver. He has an extensive knowledge of the geography of Australia, and many stories about life on the road with his dog sitting alongside him in the cab. Above all else, Wayne enjoyed the sense of freedom from being on the open road. Wayne was an avid fan of cb radio, and he also met up with many fellow truck drivers at road house stops. Since moving back home, Wayne has lost contact with this way of life, and attempts to resume friendships with people in Perth have been unsuccessful. Wayne's parents were concerned about his loneliness and isolation when they became aware that PIN was being formed. The liked the idea of developing a personal Network for Wayne, and also felt that PIN could assist with planning for Wayne's life in the future.
The discussion in the Network meeting turns to a conversation that Margaret has recently had with Colin about how important it is for Wayne to feel that people care about him. People contribute their thoughts, suggestions, and acknowledge that caring about Wayne is part of what the Network is all about - through sharing company in Network meetings and other social events, and also through opportunities for people to catch up with Wayne on an individual basis.
Ideas are shared about how the six weeks until the next Network meeting might look like for Wayne. One of the Network members wants to make a weekly timeslot to visit Wayne, and there is discussion about encouraging Val and Colin to go out and about and spend some time together during this time. Someone suggests a group outing - this generates discussion about logistics, arrangements, and who is going to do what. There is discussion about keeping in contact with Wayne and if he would like people to keep in contact by phone. Margaret makes a note of what is eventually worked out, and will include this in a write up of the meeting. Someone asks Wayne what he would really like to do if given the opportunity, to which he replies "hangliding and parachuting". This is likely to need some further research!
For the future, Colin and Val would like to have arrangements for Wayne's living arrangements sorted out. Wayne would like to own a Harley Davidson, one of his greatest passions in life, and of course, be back on the open road. These are areas that PIN and the Network will continue to work on.
Towards the end of the meeting Colin starts up the barbeque and everyone is ready for lunch. As the meeting winds up, the buzz of conversation starts up again. Wayne enjoys a beer and settles in for a pleasant afternoon of company and conversation.
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There are currently ten families involved in the Network Program at PIN. These Networks are at the Exploration or Development phases. If you would like further information about the Network Program, please contact the Co-ordinator on 9242 2699.