Dusty Wentworth

Welcome to the latest post in my Summer Holiday Series—a light-hearted chronicle of chaos, cuddles, and caffeine-fuelled survival—as a full-time wheelchair user and father of three energetic small humans: Lily (10), Harry (6), and Hallie (2). This is our first summer holiday navigating this new chapter together, and what a start it’s been! Today’s theme? Lovebirds, trampolines, and salad-based revelations. A Slow Start… With Pastries (Because I’m Not a Monster) The day began the only way any respectable British summer day should: slowly. Think less “early riser” and more “professionally horizontal.” A leisurely breakfast of pastries, toast, and strong coffee set the tone—because in this house, carbs are love, and caffeine is survival. My youngest, Hallie, managed to butter both the toast and her eyebrows. Harry was deeply suspicious that pastries aren’t, in fact, a major food group. Lily, mature beyond her years, merely rolled her eyes and reached for the Nutella like a sea...

Summer. Just the word itself conjures up images of sunshine, ice cream drips, and the delightful chaos of kids who suddenly forget what bedtime means. For me, this summer isn't just about longer days and warmer nights; it marks a pretty significant milestone—my first real summer holiday as a dad on wheels, and a new kind of adventure for our whole family! After spending 11 months in hospital, and now 10 months post-discharge, this season isn't just a stretch of warmth and light. It's my first real test in this new life. Since returning home, I've been locked in a daily battle—not just with the physical consequences of my condition, but with the psychological toll that disability can exact. Adapting to life with new physical limitations is one thing; it's another entirely to confront the emotional weight of a fractured identity. Losing 14 years of memory has created a chasm in my life—memories of raising my children, memories of love, struggle, growth—gon...