+++Your Voice (page two of two)


++When Susan met Simon

Simon's Story

"I had not long left school and this was my time to explore. I was given the chance to go on holiday on my own, with help from my social worker and the support officer for the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

I wanted to go somewhere near the sea, which led me to Netley Waterside House. Nervous tension was running through my mind but at the same time excitement. The expectation of what the week held in store seemed frightening. Once I was settled in, my parents left, which made me feel a little isolated as I didn’t know anyone. I was introduced to my volunteer and went to sit in the lounge area to get acquainted with all the staff and volunteers.

I met this girl who introduced herself by mistaking me for a volunteer which made me laugh, although I think she was a little embarrassed because she quickly made her excuses and left. I was thinking 'what happened there?' I thought that this person, who introduced herself as Susan, had one amazing smile.

So, midway through the week we spoke again but this time for a lot longer - until one or two in the morning to be exact and this continued almost every night. It had felt like we had known each other for years. Saturday arrived and it was time to go home. Everyone had exchanged telephone numbers on the Friday night. I made sure that Sue's number was one of mine.

I was home now, reflecting on what a great holiday it was, but I thought it best not to dwell on not being there with Sue. I was sat at home one night when the phone rang; it was Sue and all the gang from Netley. I was a little speechless hearing her voice again. After hours of being on the phone I wanted to see this girl again. We arranged to meet up later in the year so I invited her to my parents' house. This is when I realised what a caring and considerate individual Susan was, and something was definitely taking place - our first kiss...

I remember a conversation that Sue and I had about if anyone was to propose to her, it would be on a beach somewhere. Well when I did pop the question it was near some water, just not the sea - it was in Stratford upon Avon!

We have now been happily married for five years and they have been the best years of my life. This is mainly because when I went on my journey to Netley I craved independence. I have always had that determination; it was a matter of asserting myself in everyday life. Sue has definitely been a part of this transition. I have been lucky to experience something so special in meeting Sue.”

Sue and Simon celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary in October last year at Netley Waterside House, the place where they first met. All of us at Vitalise wish Sue and Simon many more happy anniversaries to come.