ISLANDIA lies off the east coast of Africa, near Madagascar. Tourists visit the island to stroll in its forests and periwinkle meadows, and to watch games in the Olympic stadium and sports complex. The country’s main export are periwinkle flowers — both the raw petals and, in processed form, the chemotherapy drug carboplatin. They also manufacture high-speed trains for Japan.
This is part of a dream of Asa’s, inspired by a book called Weslandia, which he read at school last year. The idea of different worlds appeals to him.
In the past year our world has changed. In the summer we moved from London to Durham, trading a flat in a big city for a townhouse in a small one.
There’s also another change that has occurred more gradually but which deserves to be celebrated. Asa is now almost 4 years post-treatment. The tumours in his eyes have been in remission since he was 5. He’s under observation at a hospital in Newcastle, with an appointment every 6 months.
Since we moved North, Asa has adapted to a new school and circle of friends. He’s still into cars, but less into football, and more into computers.
He turns 9 this week.
This is part of a dream of Asa’s, inspired by a book called Weslandia, which he read at school last year. The idea of different worlds appeals to him.
In the past year our world has changed. In the summer we moved from London to Durham, trading a flat in a big city for a townhouse in a small one.
There’s also another change that has occurred more gradually but which deserves to be celebrated. Asa is now almost 4 years post-treatment. The tumours in his eyes have been in remission since he was 5. He’s under observation at a hospital in Newcastle, with an appointment every 6 months.
Since we moved North, Asa has adapted to a new school and circle of friends. He’s still into cars, but less into football, and more into computers.
He turns 9 this week.
