Oh Anne, I don`t know what to say - you must be so anxious, and feel so helpless, and I wish there was something I could do to help. It doesn`t matter whether our kids are 4 or 44, they are still our children, and if anything, the worries multiply.

I know the Sarlat area well, having had lots of family camping holidays there in the past - the medical facilities are really first class, and although the language may be a barrier, rest assured French medics are good, so your son will be well looked after. His poor wife must feel so lonely and worried, so I hope the couriers rally round - we needed help after an accident when with Canvas holidays and the couriers were really good.

I know it`s easy to say, but please try not to bring on a flare - your daughter-in-law is just at the other end of a phone : as you say, God bless mobile phones and whoever invented them! It will be a stressful time for you all - might it be worth talking to your GP about the situation? He might be able to help you, though if you are like me you won`t rest until your son is home again and safely over his injuries. What an awful thing to happen on the very first day, poor souls.

We never really stop worrying about them, do we? My youngest son, who is 37, takes his wife & two little boys - our gorgeous grandsons - to France in the car every summer, and I don`t have a minute`s peace until I know they`re all OK. At present, my oldest son, who is 39, is kayaking round the west of Scotland - no mobile signal of course! - and I will be so pleased when he`s back, especially as the weather up there doesn`t look too good.

Is there anyone you know who can speak any French? Anyone at a local school or somewhere? My son - the kayaker - is a teacher of French & German, would you believe, which is why I wondered if there was someone you could go to if you wanted to speak to the hospital staff.

I`m glad you posted - it doesn`t matter where you put your post as long as you get some support - feel free to ask NRAS for my email address if you want to "chat" or get things off your chest. I`ll say my prayers tonight for you all, and hope you get some better news very soon.

Do take care,

Kathleen xx

PS Please look after yourself!

Hi Anne,

I`m glad you`ve been able to speak to your son - it`s good that he`s eating and drinking well : always a good sign! And I`m also glad your daughter-in-law is calmer too - such a bad start to their holiday.

Cycle helmets are vital these days, I think - so much traffic on the roads these days, so very wise of your son to wear his.

Hope everything works out well,

Kathleen x

Sorry for mistakes. I did "proof" read it but I'm not with it at present. Thank goodness for delete button.
I pick up nearest gadget and have to really concentrate on phone, tv controller, landline and even computer to
get response I want. Anne

hi Anne,

sorry to hear all you've been through .. hope tonight or tomorrow find's things calmer and more positive for you.

sending my very best wishes to you and your family,

Suzanne x

Hi Anne,

I`m glad they`re coming home, and you will feel much better when you can see them all.

Grandchildren are a wonderful distraction!

Love, Kathleen x

In the end he went to local hospital. They repeated all the Xrays etc. as they couldn't understand the French!!! A further op. was necessary to both shoulders (as predicted).
He was sent home when nearly ready because of the Sheppey Crossing accident and we (Medway ) are the nearest hospital and the Police entered a Major Incident so beds were cleared in
a hurry, and all routine ops. were cancelled. He is slowly getting better and hopes to be back at school before half term. They have got a supply teacher in at present.

Thanks for all your support, it so far hasn't caused me to flare but I am taking care and resting as much as possible. The sunshine on the Isle of Wight was just what we ordered but could
have avoided the hassle after the Bestival traffic which had priority over everything else onMonday. well done to ferry companies.
We didn't get home till 11pm instead of around 5pm which we usually aim for. Anne

Hi Anne

Good to hear your son is improving and just wishing you well with your elbow next week Hope your recovery is speedy!

Julie x