New job offers hope for family
Conan McLennan does not know how long he will have to single-handedly care for his two children, but a new job has taken the stress out of his situation.
McLennan gave up his job to step in as full time caregiver when his former partner, Michaela Melrose, was struck down by Guillain-Barre syndrome. Initially placed in intensive care, the rare disorder rendered her unable to move and barely able to talk.
Three times a week, McLennan took their two children – 3-year-old Hunter Melrose and 11-month-old Paityn McLennan – into Christchurch Hospital’s ICU, where she had been since March 23.
After the family shared their story, donations came in to support Melrose’s recovery and the family.
With $1600 raised, things were looking up for the family.
‘‘When you’re feeling better, the kids pick up on it and they now feel better as well. Just being in that good mindset, good mood, it’s absolutely rubbed off on them. You could tell, they’ve been really good the last couple of days and happy,’’ McLennan said.
Last Saturday, Melrose was able to leave the confines of ICU and get outside for the first time since being struck down by the illness. The family celebrated Hunter’s third birthday in the car park of Christchurch Hospital, where he took his new skateboard for a spin.
For the family, the biggest help had come in the form of a new job for McLennan that offered flexible hours to fit around the children’s needs.
‘‘It takes a lot of the stress away from looking after the children. I can actually afford to get them something they need without the struggle . . . and get back to some normality,’’ he said.
‘‘The job means I can support the children with everyday items needed, warmth and a brighter future.
‘‘I know now that simple things, like getting pellets for the fire to keep the house warm, are going to be done every week and I don’t have to ask anyone for help,’’ he said.
Metzger Builders director Ali Metzger said McLennan was a perfect fit for the company.
‘‘We all had smiles when he walked out the door.’’
He would be able to work around childcare and hospital visits.
‘‘He needs to feel like he is providing for his family. I think it’s huge for him,’’ Metzger said.
The family thanked those who had offered donations and messages of support.
‘‘Nothing has gone unnoticed and we are proud to see the kindness people have shown,’’ McLennan said.
‘‘It will definitely help with Michaela’s recovery.’’
Melrose was moved to Burwood Hospital on Wednesday, where she would start rehabilitation.
‘‘There will be a lot of hard work ahead, though.’’