Abstract:

The author writes matter-of-factly but movingly about life with Paul, his adopted son, who was vaccine damaged at an early age. He describes the devastating consequences of this damage, not only for Paul, who was left very severely epileptic, but also for the whole family. There is much in this article which hints at the anger, the frustration, the isolation and the hurt occasioned by those, healthcare professionals included, who seem to lack the time or the will to understand and to empathise; this is balanced by a down to earth practicality, a dogged persistence in the task of caring, and a sense that in many a situation there can be a redeeming element of humour. The article gives an insight into the cost, for a particular family, of caring for one of its members, and of retaining that responsibility and privilege, with professional support, for as long as possible.

Author: Eric Hargreaves