The last day

Today started off a bit strangely. A lot of us were woken up last night by screaming that went on for hours. Apparently, a patient on the 4th floor tried to strangle another patient. There was one patient, Cindi, who told us that this has happened before but it wasn't taken too seriously. Thankfully, it was stopped before any serious damage was caused, and hopefully in the future claims like this will be taken seriously the first time. It was quite a strange day, torn between wanting to spend time with the patients and the volunteers. I think we got the balance right though. First I did an hour at the pharmacy. Then popped down to the laundry. We also spent some time going round giving print outs of the photos taken with some patients. They all loved them!
Ruth had the idea of having a goodbye party for all the patients, and getting cakes biscuits, crisps, squash etc for it. So while we got those things, we also went for one last lunch at the Mugg and Bean. It was bittersweet! After lunch I spent some time doing Thandi's and her roommates nails then we had to start getting all the sandwiches and food ready for the party. We found some decorations and put them up in the conference room. They looked really good, and once we got all the food laid out the place looked great. Unfortunately this did not last. As soon as the patients started arriving...carnage broke out. While the others got the patients down, me and Willy were left to feed all the patients. A massive queue appeared very fast and two hands were not enough. Especially as the patients were all very keen to make sure they had cake! We had to deal with all the special requests and the patients who were unable to walk to the queue. I was sweating after a while...running from table to table trying to fulfil everyones requests and serve as fast as possible. I'm never working in a restaurant by the way. Never ever. As soon as the food ran out, it was then time to start taking people back up to their rooms. I started to feel really nervous at this point too as I knew I'd have to start saying my goodbyes, but I helped tidy up the conference room and bring all the stuff back into the flat first.
I'm still gutted that Charmain has been away the last few days so I've not been able to say goodbye. I first went round those who I was familiar with, but not that close. It was on the 5th floor that I had most of my tough goodbyes. I first said goodbye to Lunga and S'celo. Lunga loves teaching me Zulu words and he's written me out a whole basic vocabulary. I can barely pronounce any of them though! Then I had to say goodbye to Edward. I think I'll worry about him most (and would appreciate any subsequent volunteers keeping me updated and making an effort to keep him company, especially by taking him out to the Mugg and Bean) because he's fit enough that he'll be around for years, but he really has no one to look after him, or really give him any attention. He hasn't even got any room mates, or any friends here. 
I saved the toughest one till last. Thandi. I didn't stay long with her because I was getting too upset. I'll really miss her. Again...any volunteers going to the dream centre who read this...please look after her! But she's okay, she has so many people who care for her because she's so lovely. But still...I would love to be kept updated. I think thats the worst thing about leaving. I don't know what will happen to them and when.
When I got back to our quarters, I was of course quite upset. But I honestly don't know how I would have coped here without the other volunteers. They immediately made me feel better and have done so on many occasions. Its going to be even tougher to say goodbye to all of them, as they have been such an important part of this whole experience. Its hard to imagine life without them. Thankfully university has made me used to having to say goodbye to people, but it doesn't seem to be getting easier.
But its not over until the fat lady sings. Ruth, Elle and I still have 2 days left in Cape Town together. It seems like a lifetime ago that I was last in Cape Town. Its going to be weird to be back there. Elle and Ruth leave on monday morning, but I don't until monday evening. I'm quite glad I'll have some time to myself to reflect on the last month before having to head home, but I'm dreading saying goodbye to them. Will write more soon. 

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