So, a mate of mine in Australia asked why I didn’t take up the blog again during this exceptional period in our lives. Challenge accepted Tracy.
A fair bit has changed in the last seven years. I’ve got a proper job, my two little girls have (rather surprisingly) metamorphosed into young ladies and the world is in the grip of a pandemic and in a pretty much global lockdown. Well, apart from Belarus, where they are still playing football in front of capacity crowds. President Lukashenko reckons that vodka and saunas will keep the virus at bay. Let’s hope that Fox News don’t cover the story.
In the last 18 months I’ve had heart problems, a pacemaker fitted, skin cancer and, in December, aggressive prostate cancer, leading to a radical prostatectomy, Despite all this I feel physically fit - I rode 100km’s on the indoor trainer yesterday, which is some going seeing as I was only allowed to start cycling again three weeks ago.
What’s changed (and it’s not easy to say this) is my mental strength. Even after the pacemaker and the skin cancer I felt indestructible. However, the two nights in intensive care, after the prostate surgery, put paid to that. I suddenly felt mortal and it was sobering. I’m lucky to have Juli-Anne by my side and her shining light lit up the darkest moments. I don’t even want to think about what it would have been like without her.
I didn’t lose my positive attitude to life - I gave myself all kinds of goals and I’ve been smashing them out of the park.
But....and it’s a big “but”....I suddenly find myself feeling nervous. I really don’t want to catch this damn virus. One of the symptoms that led the doc to discovering my heart problem was “breathlessness” and I‘m struggling to come to terms with the fact that I’ve moved from indestructible to vulnerable.
So, current situation - family safe, well and, thankfully, at home. We’ve been in lockdown for two weeks with a minimum of two weeks more, although I suspect it will be longer. No complaints; cupboards are full, we’ve had beautiful weather, books take a second to download and the girls are baking every day. J-A is helping the local nurses collect masks, aprons and other necessities. I’m riding on Zwift every day with pa-in-law and one of my best mates in England and tai-chi every morning has been a revelation.
That’s enough for now, it’s all been a bit personal but will try and make it more interesting over the coming days. There’s certainly plenty to talk about!
5 comments:
Gray, am soooo friggin' happy you're putting fingers to keyboard again. You, JA and fam have certainly been through the wringer lately, and that's brilliant you're back on the (bike) saddle, so to speak, again. Wishing you all happiness and good health in the forthcoming 'chaotic' times. Love to you all and looking forward to your next entry.
Tracy from 'downunder'.
Well it sounds to me that you are pretty much indestructible, despite feeling vulnerable. What a time you’ve had hey and to top it all off, a global pandemic.
Writing is very therapeutic and can certainly help shuffle those chaotic thoughts into some semblance of order. So keep writing, keep safe and keep positive. I’m sure JA has already given you these orders. ;)
Much love from us both by the bridge.
Xxx
I’ve twice replied on here and twice it’s not posted so third time lucky!
We were longtime fans of your musings on life and times in the Charente Valley.
I think that this virus has made us all feel the ground wobbling beneath our feet.
I also personally appreciated your skill with words when you wrote a beautiful and poignant message to me two years ago.
I trust that this will become a cathartic exercise for you and look forward to reading more of your perspicacious observations.
Much love to your delightful family and support from all your fellow villagers.
Anne. xx
Goodness, Grahame, you sure have been through it. We had no idea.
Anne has sent me the link to your blog - and how pleased we are to connect. We shall look forward to your posts - always love your humour!
Your energy has us reeling, having sat on our bums for the past week (with a smattering of Joe Wicks and Mojo Moves).... We got back (skin of our teeth) from New Zealand, last Tuesday morning and thought best completely self isolate - no walks, no shopping - for a couple of weeks - and then we shall just observe the “normal” lockdown here......
Strange times indeed - but how lovely it is to reconnect with people and take some time out.
Sending love to JA and the girls and, of course, you.
Bets
Kim and Craig
Thanks Trace, Allie, Anne & Kim/Craig - you’re all too kind. Never written anything as personal as that before and probably won’t do it again. Normally just get p****d with Paddy and use him as a therapist. Bloody lockdown.
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