I’m sitting in my parents’ home tonight and it’s so quiet. That’s very strange for this house. You see, my dad has stubbornly refused to wear hearing aids for a long time and he’s renowned for his television being set at a volume that allows people in the next suburb to listen in to the … Continue reading Thankful in the silence!
Family
Getting off the slippery slope!
This year has been a tough one on my body, from managing expected spinal pain to unexpected salmonella hospitalisation. So, when I tested positive to lousy Covid again on Sunday, I was more than ready to accept an invite to my own personal pity party! I had good reason to grumble, I told myself. And quickly, … Continue reading Getting off the slippery slope!
Until the storm passes!
“Chicken or the egg.” That’s my specialist’s best two guesses as to what has given me a very unexpected crash course in severe salmonella infection. It has been a tough and stretching week physically and emotionally, but hopefully I will be home in the next few days. And a sobering thought I will take with me; … Continue reading Until the storm passes!
The legacy we are writing today!
Father’s Day always reminds me of what matters most in life. It brings many cherished things to the front and centre of my mind, as well as challenges to ponder in my lifelong parenting apprenticeship. Today I breathe in deep and appreciate the sheer joy, privilege and delight of being a father. I celebrate the … Continue reading The legacy we are writing today!
We made it to here!
“But, if we made it to here, maybe we have everything it takes to make it to there?” While taking in the beauty of the Ligurian coastline over recent days, the words of Will Small’s wonderful, pandemic-season poem “We Made it to Here” have been on my mind. The line above came into my head as I … Continue reading We made it to here!
So thankful for Old Tom!
As I walked through the streets of Oxford on Tuesday night I came across a classic, small English pub, simply named “Old Tom”. Suddenly my mind was full with memories of my wonderful grandfather Tom. It seemed very appropriate to step inside an enjoy an ale and remember my Tom! I can’t recall how my … Continue reading So thankful for Old Tom!
Painful but valuable lessons!
It’s almost been six months since I had spinal surgery. My hope was that the surgery would reduce, or even better, rid me of the pain I have been living with over recent years. My surgeon tells me that his intervention has significantly reduced my risk of experiencing paraplegia. Now that’s a big win, but … Continue reading Painful but valuable lessons!
Thankful!
I’ve joined a new club over recent months. I’ve received membership to shopping centre lounge areas where, without overly stereotyping, older men often sit and wait for shopping family members. I’ve done my bit to bring down the average age of the cohort and I’m hoping my membership is temporary. With a coffee and novel … Continue reading Thankful!
When life throws you a curve ball [and jelly!]
My wife believes there is nothing good at all about green jelly and so the only time it gets a run on our family menu is when Megan makes my Dad his favourite Christmas trifle. Well, Christmas has come early this year, with a bowl of sweet and tangy lime jelly on my hospital menu … Continue reading When life throws you a curve ball [and jelly!]
Exiles Welcome!
For many years now, Megan, our kids and I have had the privilege of sharing our house and dining table with many people who are not like us. And these beautiful people, all with different stories, have taught me, stretched me, grown me and blessed me in so many ways. They have deposited far more … Continue reading Exiles Welcome!
apilgrimpens 