Double-edged Swords

This morning at dark o’clock I did an interview with BBC Radio Bristol about EvieOwl being unveiled at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. It then went on to talk about Evie’s Gift and the work that we do. Ali, the presenter asked me what it felt like helping people in Evie’s name. At the unveiling in Bath yesterday, Ben Prater, BBC Radio Wiltshire’s breakfast time presenter, asked me something similar. Helping people and doing good is a well researched and well known way to heal.

When Ali asked me the question this morning, I wasn’t quite expecting it, but I gave her the same answer that I have always given. It hurts. The Charity wouldn’t exist if Evie was still alive. But providing a little comfort to other parents when they are going through the same pain that we experienced makes a difference. Being able to sleep and eat properly for a few days while being bombarded with highly technical medical information is important; your child’s life and their treatment rest on your ability to think straight.

Every case that we assess and every family that we help is a good thing, but it is also a sharp stab that Evie is dead. The toughest ones are the other brain tumours.

The same theory applies to EvieOwl. She is now in her new home in Bath and hundreds, if not thousands, of people will see her, and in time once some table and chairs are in place, they can get up close and read the plaque that is dedicated to Evie. Laura Fearn did a beautiful job painting the owl. The paintwork has the right balance of humour and accuracy, with Evie’s cuddlies looking great. But the owl shouldn’t exist at all. Evie should be here with us still. So many of these things are beautiful reminders of the bright and bubbly human being that Evie was, but equally they are an ‘in your face’ shout that she isn’t here.

This is our new world, double-edged swords at every turn.