Birthday Gratefulness
I have a practice that has lapsed during the hospital days. Every night I share 5 things I am grateful for with my sister, Kim in Canada. I haven’t done this regularly over the last 3 weeks, but starting here I am beginning all my supportive practices again.
In addition to my Gratitude practice I have a morning mindful practice that involves 10 minutes of yoga and 10 minutes of meditation. I returned to this grounding practice this morning. The stand out feature of the experience was that I can get so much breath in. Each breath feels something like a normal breath. I say, ‘feels like’ because it is 14 years since I had normal breath. My memory is vague! But I am breathing quietly and well. What a relief.
Yesterday was my birthday. I had a lovely day thanks to Dinah’s organisation skills and the generosity of friends. Instead of sharing a blow by blow account I thought that I would share my Birthday Grats (as Kim and I call them) with you.
- The second consecutive night of 10 hours sleep
- Perfectly poached eggs on Marmite toast
- A gentle walk, breathing deeply
- Massive slice of Ginger and Salted Caramel cake
- Thoughtful presents from friends
- Love and care of friends
- Unexpected visit of old Swansea mates
- A donation from Simon’s young son from his pocket money
- Lots of lovely FB birthday messages
- Playing with my new photography toy – Fuji Instax camera
- Lovely Skype chat with Kim
- The love, support and care from Dinah
And so on to my 60th year. In 2020 I will be 60. There is much I hope to do and much that will happen. The first part of that is at 4.00pm today, when we pick up my new camper van. Exciting. More on that tomorrow.
Hi Lee.
I’m.glad everything is going so well.
A campervan! I’m so jealous.
I have an Instax camera. They are great for instant images although the cost of the film is high.
Thanks John. Just picked it up. It’s fab!
Hi Lee, so I wanted to say I have read most of your hospital blog and I did it with one eye shut! Why you may ask, well I’m trying to pluck up the courage to say yes to this procedure in the new year and, whilst I didn’t want to read this, I’m glad I have. 10 years ago an RTA and subsequent lengthy coma with prolonged intubation left me with airway issues and paralysed vocal cords. I’ve had several laser ops but time for a long term solution. Unfortunately I don’t have the relationship and family support that you do, but nevertheless I am trying to talk myself into it gradually. All the best.
I understand your concerns. I was first offered the operation in 2011. However, breathing is so much better. Voice a strong whisper at present. If you want discuss it all at some point contact me through the contact page and I’ll be able to email you back. Take care
Thanks Lee appreciate it. Take care x