I set myself three goals at that stage – firstly, I wanted to see Phillip leave Grey Junior School at the end of 2008 (tick!); secondly, I wanted to attend the 25th reunion of the 1984 Grey matric class in May 2009 (tick!) and then, thirdly, I wanted to be at the valedictory service at Grey High in October 2009.
What a month October has been – an emotional rollercoaster ride!
On the evening of Sunday 11, I fell down the stairs at home and ended up at St George’s Hospital for midnight surgery. A broken right elbow (my good arm), two days in hospital and a cast for four weeks is the end result. What a mission to be reduced to two working fingers (this note being typed with those two!). The week after the fall proved to be the most difficult and challenging since my illness began. Suffice to say that my emotions were very low – the term used, I think, is feeling “down”!
However, you can’t stay down and you can’t give up. Once the pain subsided, a shower could be taken and the healing process started – both physically and mentally. Two weeks later, the pain has gone and just a bit of discomfort remains – it’s amazing what one can do with the toes! (And even more amazing at how my left arm has had to respond to the challenge – where does the dopamine come from all of a sudden?)
Thursday, last week, was the valedictory service for the matrics of 2009 – the third of my goals and,yes, tick!. With it, came the big announcement of the 2010 prefects. We were proud when Sean’s name was read amongst the group of 21. So Thursday evening meant celebratory pizza’s, Sunday we braaied with the Clarkes (Graeme is Headboy and David, is a prefect too) and Stapletons, and Monday 26 October, saw us at the Induction Ceremony and tea at the school. Graeme delivered a magnificent induction speech and we could see on Monday evening, when we went back at the school for the Toastmaster’s Evening, where it all originated. What amazing public speaking was displayed by the boys in the unprepared and prepared speeches! Grey can be so proud of its pools of talent!
I now look forward to 11 November – that’s when the splint comes off!
And I now have to reset my goals – Sean’s valedictory service and lunch at Old Grey (and Barney’s!) in October 2010 and – dare I beat the medical odds and plan so far ahead? – Valedictory 2012/2013 for Phillip!
I’ll see you there . . .
In the early hours of this morning – when I struggle to sleep with this cast! – I heard a song on the radio “Everyone hurts sometimes”. I realize again that I am not unique.
My prayer is that my disease will remind us all that we are surrounded by people who carry their varied burdens in a far less public way than I do. They are constantly in need of our assistance, support and prayers…. See more
Please support such people today and every day – then the fight is not in vain, and together we can make our world a better place.
“For it is in giving that we receive….”
You are so right that we need to be reminded that we are not… See more islands, and what/who got us to this point and what will take us further is not ourselves alone, but so many others who walk alongside us, loud or silent, strong or weak, and His Grace.
Thank You for the inspiration, you are being used for His purposes – may you know his presence and peace.
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