Newy tears

Newy tears! There have been a lot shed in recent days. Joey Johns was showing them on Channel Nine on Sunday. Brother Matty was wiping them away on Fox Sports. They were flowing for Captain Kayln as Sandon Smith scored in the final minute to seal the Knight’s historic, underdog preliminary final victory. My son, … Continue reading Newy tears

Lessons on the road

I just had a warm, afternoon nap on my day off. Shame it was on a CT scan table at a local hospital. The latest scans come after my neurosurgeon confirmed that my last spinal surgery has not achieved the results we were hoping for. My ongoing pain had already told me that, but it … Continue reading Lessons on the road

Pooling our presence

A young man waits by the hydrotherapy pool with his mother. I don’t know his story - but it’s evident he lives with some significant physical challenges. Suddenly his physiotherapist walks into the pool area and the young man’s face lights up. He doesn’t speak, but his face and actions say it all. He shuffles … Continue reading Pooling our presence

Drinking from the cup of nostalgia

My pre-dinner drink this evening is taking me back to my childhood. A glass of cold, Cottee’s Coola Lime. And my younger kids – who have never sampled this lime wonder in a glass – are enjoying this sweet blast from my past. It has been a long time since my last glass of this … Continue reading Drinking from the cup of nostalgia

A trifecta to master

Home! It’s always good to be home. And now to heed the advice I’m getting from all sides. “Take things slowly. Be patient. Be kind to yourself.”  Now, I must admit this self-care trifecta is always a work in progress for me. May be these three things come easily for you. They don't for me. … Continue reading A trifecta to master

A gratitude posture

I had a rough night in ICU with pain after surgery and a bad reaction to some stong meds. But throughout the night, Oish my nurse provided with me excellent, calm, patient, assuring care. It made such a difference. I’m mindful again today of the amazing work of health professionals and carers across the nation. … Continue reading A gratitude posture

The gift of perspective

MRI results this week showed further deterioration in my spine beyond the areas where I had surgery a few years ago. This explains the increasing and extended pain I’ve been experiencing in my neck, back and head. While certainly not the news I wanted, I’m deeply appreciative of the ongoing support of my wife Megan, … Continue reading The gift of perspective

May the ordinary come alive!

Last night we had a quiet New Year’s Eve at home. I have to admit, a few times I experienced the tug for the extraordinary …. the bigger experience. And then, there I was, standing outside our house at the 703 bus stop in my pjs, looking down a street that gives a slight view … Continue reading May the ordinary come alive!