Once again we have met all of the PKU-AD families on a residential weekend. This time in Plentzia, an ideal setting to enjoy of a fabulous weekend- The weather was awesome, even better then on summer.
We met on Friday at noon. During the morning, the monitors and Mike handed out the bags with the documentation, touristic information and some gifts we place din the rooms.There were some people who could not come at the last moment due to health issues, but despite this, the weekend developed positively.
During the afternoon while the adults had a meeting in the conference room to talk about the matters that worry us the most, the monitors divided the kids into two groups. The older ones spent the afternoon playing some boardgames (hotel, Monopoly…) and the smaller ones played with a sticker book. Once they finished, they had an afternoon snack and painted some Harry Poltter pictures.
On Saturday we had a lectura by Dr. Aldámiz and Dr. Montejo, who explained us the difficulties they have with the monitoring of our kids with the dietist, specialsit, ginecologist or other physicians who are not pediatricians. It is really heartbreaking learning that this issues have not already been solved. They also handed out an anonimous questionnaire for the families to fill in regarding ther satisfaction level of medical attention and monitoring at the hospital.
Meanwhile, the kids went with the monitors and some adults to the Goiko-Mendi riding club to ride some horses, visit the stables…They made three groups, while some were riding the the horses others pulled the strides and the other group watched. Everybody participated, even those who did not want at first. The monitor of the riding club told us to touch the horses’ ears and tail, ride standing on the strides… Once we had all ridden for a while we took the saddles from the horses and put them on the stables. Finally they cleaned and combed a horse.
The children came back very excited with the experience. They told us the of their horse and all the things they did. I think it was a great activity.
On the afternoon the adults went to a guided visit to Plentzia. We divided the group into two since we were many. Our guides Aritz and Nerea showed us the most emblematic buildings and told us about the history of the town. We also visited the Sea museum. It was very didactic and the families were very plkeased.
Meanwhile our children spent the afternoon filling bottles with sault mixed with chalk. Afterwards they made some masks. They had to cut them, paint them and add the rubber band.
On Sunday we had a family fieldtrip.We could choose two different trips, one was easier and the other harder. One round the town, and the other one up the mountain. We got back to residence just on time for lunch.
After lunch we packed and were ready to go back home pretty satisfied with the experience.
We must mention the importance of families speaking among them. They seize the opportunity to share experiences, recopies and manners in which they solve problems they have with their kids. It is also a good opportunity for PKU and AD kids to talk and share worries.
Our greatest gratitude to all the staff at the residence. They have been very kind to the families as well as to the children. We would also like to thank to all the associates who have cooked special food, without your help, it would be impossible!
I do not want to forget Marisa. We know how difficult this has been for you without Jose Mari, but life sometimes has these awful twists. We will help you to our limits. We are sure Jose Mari has been watching us, and in a way, has been here with us. He is still a part of us.
Cristina Lería
