Great Fully Grateful

Today's photo taken in a bird sanctuary in Brazil near Iguazu.

At the beginning of the week I was nominated on social media by my daughter-in-law, Lisa Andradez, to a 6 day challenge to share for 6 consecutive days a photograph I have taken at some time about the natural world.  I immediately started looking through my folders of photos, looking for 6 photos that would be completely different while at the same time show a variety of creation.  As I sifted through and began choosing I felt such gratitude because I have had the privilege of visiting so many places and had such wonderful experiences conjuring up great memories for me now as I look back on what each photo represents.  To others who see them, they are probably just interesting photos but for me they are reliving wonderful times that I have had the great privilege to experience.  People and situations have come flooding back to my mind, experiences that have made me the person I am today.  What a wonderful world indeed!

My great-grandmother, my grandmother, my mother
and elder brother.  Sadly all have now passed away.

This week we have also had the pleasure of a visit from my elder sister, my brother-in-law and their younger son.  We have been able to chat at length face to face and not just over the phone.  We have been able to go out and share meals together - 3 sisters, my brother-in-law and 3 cousins.  And so I am grateful for a wonderful family who over many years have shared and helped each other, celebrating important occasions and looking back on happy days gone by.  I have a number of photos of my family that go back 5 generations.  I can't even remember where I managed to get copies of some of them or when I put them on my computer but it was good to be able to share them and remember our parents and grandparents and even our great grandmother, seeing photos of us when we were small and as we grew older.  There is one of my younger sister taking her first step (to try to get hold of the camera) and one of my elder sister's wedding and again with her children when they were young.  Again, precious photos bringing back cherished memories and a grateful heart for wonderful Christian parents and a very happy childhood.

Cherish the NHS!

Yesterday I had my check up at the Eye Clinic following the removal of a cataract from my right eye just over 4 weeks ago.  I am delighted with the outcome, being able to see things I haven't been able to in years.  I can now read the subtitles on the television news and see which number bus is coming before it actually gets up to me.  I go along the street now reading car number plates, just because now I can!   On my visit yesterday, the consultant was very pleased the way it had turned out and has given the go-ahead to get the other eye done as soon as possible.  Yeah!!  Can't wait!  I am so grateful for the many talented doctors and consultants (particularly in this case Mr Shah) who are so dedicated and learned so as to restore sight to the 'almost blind'.  It has given me a new lease of life and much pleasure in being able tp see details that I missed before.  It may seem a routine operation to some but for me it has meant so much.  Thank you to all who work within the NHS in whatever capacity.  Be grateful for our NHS and cherish it.

So this week has be a great week and I am fully grateful.

Mixed Blessings

This week has been a week of looking towards various events.  At the beginning of the week I had a couple of appointments with the surgery's nurse to check my blood pressure and also to take a blood test to check my cholesterol level, any signs of diabetes and other necessary checks.  That's one I don't particularly like because it has to be done while fasting so from about 8 pm the evening before until after the blood has been extracted, it's a case of no food and only a little water if you're thirsty.  That means no hot chocolate before bed and no putting the kettle on for coffee when I get up!  

Although it doesn't really bother me too much, I don't look forward to being jabbed in the arm with a hypodermic needle, particularly as my blood vessels never seem willing to let my blood leave my body.  The nurse was very good and managed on only the second jab.  The results came back that I am 'normal'.  (For those who question the expression they were the doctor's words, not mine.)  Later this morning I have to go back to the surgery to get my yearly flu jab - another needle. 

I also had word this week about the date for my eye operation to remove the cataract from my right eye, as that's the worst of the two.  Later I hope to get the other eye done.  Then, so they tell me, I should be able to see without my spectacles, something I haven't been able to do for about 35 years.  At least I should be able to tell which bus is coming before it actually gets up to me.  Everyone who has had this operation tells me that it's 'a doddle'; but I still feel a bit apprehensive.

Brothers Martin (right) and Diego (left) on a previous visit

On the positive side my son Martin and daughter-in-law Lisa are visiting us this weekend.  It's always good to be able to spend time all together as a family and something we have looked forward to with pleasure.  To crown it all today sees the return of Dr Who on our television screens.  Any who regularly read my blog or who know me know that in our house we are avid Dr Who fans and have been for years.  I remember seeing the very first episode in the 60s.  So this week has been a mixture of looking forward to things, some really pleasurable and others not so much but still necessary.  

Lisa and me on a previous visit.

The thing is that the check-ups and jabs and operations, although not very pleasant at the time are really for my own good and will prove beneficial to me in the long term.  In life we can't have everything we like all the time.  Some people seem to be of the opinion that if you conform to certain religious practices, then somehow you are protected from unpleasantness in your life.  I'm sorry to disappoint those people .  Life is just not like that.  We have to take the rough with the smooth.  The best way is to accept the good things and enjoy every minute, savouring the pleasure so we have good memories for the future while accepting the not so good experiences knowing that they serve to make us stronger, wiser and more capable to cope with life.  Nothing lasts for ever so it's best to accept the not so pleasant things, knowing that there will be a time when they will be over and we will feel the benefit but remember to enjoy every minute of the good times while they are here.  Mixed blessings.