An eventful week
I have got my smile back, and can face the world again! Thank you, Battersea Preventive Dental Surgery.
A CT scan last week was quite reassuring and my consultant is considering next steps which of course, start with another scan.
I have put the lights on my little pavement Christmas tree. While I was doing this, several people came up to me to say how lovely it was to see them. (When we moved here the local council planted trees along the pavement, but they forgot the plot outside my front door. I planted a little Christmas tree and put a few lights on it. The tree is thriving and growing fast so I have to buy some more lights every year. So far, in five years, they have only been stolen once. You just have to trust in people’s good nature. Sometimes the neighbours put some baubles on the tree. I love it when they do.
The WG’s top ten survival tips
- Take control. Accept help and support when it is offered – you will need it – but don’t let others try to organise your life or infantilise you. Do what you want.
- Drag yourself out of bed at a reasonable hour. It will probably make you feel better. (if it doesn’t, go back to bed, put down your knitting, turn off the telly, draw the curtains and get another hour’s sleep).
- Get dressed – yes. I know, it’s very hard to get out of that cosy fleece dressing gown. Put on something nice, like your cool pyjamas if you are not going out. I have 3 pairs, – mail order from Land’s End, bright and cheerful, excellent value.
- Keep in contact with family and friends. For the WG, this is the most important thing to keep me feeling positive and cheerful. It makes such a difference! Try to email, or better still phone somebody every day – particularly if you are on your own for long periods. You will find that people are wonderful at keeping in touch with you.
- There are better things to do than watching Midsomer Murders.
- Find a project. Something that is achievable, not too demanding that you will enjoy (like writing a blog, or knitting a blanket, or brightening up the garden). You will find new talents and rediscover old skills.
- The WG, who is scatter-brained and forgetful, needs to make “to do” lists. Do at least one thing from your list every day. Then you feel you have achieved something. (Beware; list-making doesn’t suit everybody, as it can feel very oppressive and threatening – the last thing you need).
- Get out of the house every day if you can.
- Recognise and value the small, good things that happen – every day (might be an enjoyable conversation, a TV programme, a nice meal…) Sounds corny, but it works.
- See the picture below
When life gives you lemons, add gin.
Today’s poem
I have been told, by an expert blogger, to include poems, because apparently, gentle reader, that is what you like. Here is one by wonderful Brian Patten.
Blade of Grass
You ask for a poem.
I offer you a blade of grass.
You say it is not good enough.
You ask for a poem.
I say this blade of grass will do.
It has dressed itself in frost,
It is more immediate
Than any image of my making.
You say it is not a poem,
It is a blade of grass and grass
Is not quite good enough.
I offer you a blade of grass.
You are indignant.
You say it is too easy to offer grass.
It is absurd.
Anyone can offer a blade of grass.
You ask for a poem.
And so I write you a tragedy about
How a blade of grass
Becomes more and more difficult to offer,
And about how as you grow older
A blade of grass
Becomes more difficult to accept.