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!]
Gratitude
Wrestling with the beast
For the past few years, I’ve had doctors telling me “listen to your body”. I have been trying to heed their advice as best I can. I have tried to pace myself. I have slept more than I ever have. I'm often in bed before the kids, much to their amusement. I’ve learnt many lessons. … Continue reading Wrestling with the beast
The in-between days
Saturday The in-between day They were shattered, broken They were uncertain, fearful They were cynical, questioning They were grieving, numb They were longing, yearning They didn’t know what was next It was the in-between day! And here I am, So far removed from that Saturday And yet with so many in-between days in my … Continue reading The in-between days
Sky, sound and steps
I sit oustide tonight in the peaceful backyard of my temporary housing. I look up to the sky. I don’t see the stars, but thank God I don’t see fire and smoke. No bombs are being dropped in my neighbourhood. I am a fortunate human being. I am thankful and yet stirred! I hear the … Continue reading Sky, sound and steps
I miss you Mum!
It’s hard to fathom that it has been 12 months since my Mum passed away. I miss her dearly. I miss many things, most of all, the simple things we can so easily take for granted. Yet these become such rich things as we cherish memories of those we love deeply. I miss calling Mum … Continue reading I miss you Mum!
Learning to listen!
As I have been learning to navigate a new, physical pain journey this year, my good team of health professionals have been singing from the same song sheet. "Listen to your body" has been their consistent chorus. Now to be honest, that's something I have never been very good at. I have usually pushed on when I … Continue reading Learning to listen!
Thank you Alan!
Late on Christmas night in 2006 I was in my house alone. It was a painful first, which comes with the fracturing of families. My mobile phone rang. Someone who didn’t know me all that well, but who had stood by me in difficult times, was on the line. Calling from interstate, he wanted to say … Continue reading Thank you Alan!
Sludge seasons
Stuckness. That feeling I’m sure we’ve all experienced in the stretching COVID season. In a meeting on Thursday, a Sydney colleague commented: “Just when I thought we were getting beyond this, it’s back”. The Melburnians on screen didn’t need to say a word. We know too well what a ticket on the emotional rollercoaster called lockdown … Continue reading Sludge seasons
When pain shouts!
I let the technologist choose the backing music for a series of scans I had this week. Train’s “Drops of Jupiter” and Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” competed with the loud banging and clanging of the MRI machine. Then came “When I’m Gone” by 3 Doors Down. Maybe not the best song for an MRI playlist meant to distract … Continue reading When pain shouts!
Rest Mum, Rest!
As a child I often woke in the middle of the night. It might have been fear of the dark, a bad dream, a strange noise or a loud storm. For a short season, when I was 12, it was an irrational fear of death. Whenever I woke, I would run, crying, to my parent’s … Continue reading Rest Mum, Rest!
apilgrimpens 