THE SEARCH FOR MADELEINE
DAY 18:PARENTS TELL OF DAILY ROUTINE IN DIARY OF BRAVERY
|
The McCann
family (pic:Albanpix) |
WITH smiles hiding the
relentless agony, the parents of Madeleine McCann last
night showed the world how they continue to live in
hope.
Gerry and Kate were
pictured entertaining their twins Sean and Amelie with
Thomas the Tank Engine models and books sent from home
to Portugal, as they focus blindly on having
four-year-old Madeleine back where she belongs.
In an emotional glimpse
into their desperate world, they penned a diary of their
average day - showing how a structured routine is now
helping them through...
6.30am
Our day starts around 6.30am with us all waking up
around the same time. We have breakfast with Sean and
Amelie and our close family/friends
who are here with us. Then it's clean nappies and
clothes for Sean and Amelie followed by showers etc for
the rest of us. Usually there's some free time then for
a few stories or games with the twins before heading
out.
9-9.15am
We take Sean and Amelie to Kids' Club. They really enjoy
it and run in. They know the staff well and the
staff are all excellent. Both
love the domestic corner and Amelie particularly likes
to look after "babies". We use Kids' Club a bit like
nursery at home but we think Sean and Amelie still think
they are on holiday!
9.30-12.15pm We return to the
apartments, usually for a series of meetings with our
press officer, Mark Warner reps, occasionally Consulate
staff, lawyers and British liaison officers. During this
time we catch up with family and close friends, usually
by telephone and discuss ideas how to keep Madeleine's
profile high especially throughout Continental Europe.
12.30pm
Time to pick up Sean and Amelie from Kids' Club then
head back to apartment for lunch, which has usually been
prepared by one of our family/friends group who
have been tremendously
supportive.
1.30-2.30pm
This is time to spend time playing with the twins either
in the apartment or in the play area next to Kids' Club.
2.30-3pm
Usually we take the twins back to Kids' Club although
Sean has had the odd afternoon in the apartment as it's
a bit cooler and he's not much of a
sunworshipper! They have been taking part in many
different activities including painting, singing,
stories, swimming, trips to the beach and they have lots
of toys to play with.
3-5pm We try to get some time
together alone, going for a walk to talk things over or
getting some exercise. This is often the time for quiet
trips to the church for prayers.
5-5.30pm Meet kids for high tea
with other mums and dads. They love pasta and have been
doing really well with their vegetables although a few
chips have been squeezed in.
5.30-6.30pm
Games with kids at play area. Amelie loves trying to get
in the baby pool!
6.30-7.30pm Bath and storytime
with the twins.
8pm
We put the kids to bed.
8.30-11pm We try to sit down for a
family meal, again usually cooked by one of the small
family group out here with us. Chat about the day's
events and plan the next day.
11.30pm
Bed and prayer for Madeleine that she will be returned
to us safely ASAP.
IN addition to the above
we try to attend various church services during the
week, and make multiple phone calls to family and
friends.
We try to watch the main
news early morning and late evening but have had almost
no time to read the newspapers or even look at the
pictures!
Kate is a keen runner and
in the last few days has tried to include a run in the
daily routine. Yesterday at 7am we ran to the monument
at the top of the steep cliff overlooking Praia de Luz.
We reached it in 19 minutes.
|
Gerry and Kate McCann play
Thomas the tank engine and friends with
twins Amelie and Sean yesterday. A birthday
card for Madeleine - four last Saturday - is
on the table. (pic:Alban
Donohoe) |
|
|
After games with the twins its story time,
then bath and finally bed (pic: Alban
Donohoe) |
|
|
|
|
Amelie loves looking after 'babies'. (pic:
Alban Donohoe) |
Kate helps Amelie with her tea (pic: Alban
Donohoe) |