September 09

I believe that I may have expressed some of these thoughts earlier, either in previous Musings or elsewhere. Consequently, I apologise for any duplications.

As those who have seen my computer room know, I used to be able to manoeuvre myself (surprisingly successfully) through the piles of miscellaneous material deposited (seemingly aimlessly) on the floor. Now, however, I must achieve a lot of clearing to enable me to move about therein in a wheelchair. The main purpose of this tidying is to allow access to my computer - illness & hospitalisation combined to cause much delay in my computing. The District Nurse whose visits used to prompt my exit from my study for treatment said that things would have to change to prevent my going into decline - she knew I was very happy indoors working at my computer.

Nowadays, most people can contact others via the web - I myself have exchanged emails with over half of those listed in our latest annual report as PCC members. I was cheered when Jackie told me on a hospital visit of a phone call she had from one of the Radio Norfolk presenters - some of them had wondered about the lack of emails from me & asked if I was still OK. He was very concerned to learn of my condition & sent a Get Well message over the air. One of the nurses said: You won’t find Radio One doing that!

When in the N&NUH, I had several visits (some with communion) from members of the chaplaincy. I was particularly pleased when one of them took over the weekly communion service at Pine Cottage following the retirement of the chaplain there. After she had spoken about cures in one of her services, I told her how I remembered one of our past rectors preaching on a similar theme. He had said that learning to live with an illness or disability is the nearest thing to a complete cure. How true! I have heard talk of abolishing chaplaincies as part of hospital economies - may this never happen.

While confined indoors pending construction of a ramp to enable access outdooors, I was able to do my bit for the environment. Not a lot but it made me feel good & it would help considerably if many more people did it. Separating the plastic windows & gummed parts of envelopes soon reduces the amount going to landfill. If necessary, scissors may easily be resharpened by cutting silver paper.

Luckily, I recalled the existence & location of a book of sayings which Jackie was able to reach for me so I am able to finish with some quotes:

“Constant repetition will finally succeed in imprinting an idea.”

 -  Adolph .Hitler

“What can’t be cured must be endured.”                                         - Proverb


“Waste not, want not.”                                                                     - Proverb


“Conversation has a kind of charm about it.”                             - Seneca