Greetings to All Polymylingerers and Pred Playmates - wherever you are across our (now and ever expanding) Global PMR and GCA Community.
On the prelude to another Public Holiday in the UK and after a wicked (for us here) Winter, all I can say is: Roll on Spring! (If you are not in the UK, Different Rules apply: please see the instructions on the packet..)
Just a quick update on the week's events here:
First, I'm pleased to report that my Man Flu (the worst and most dangerous type) is starting to abate and I'm feeling a little more 'Normal and Human' again - Hoorah! Of course, I appreciate that the terms 'Normal and Human' might be a matter of interpretation by some of You Lot who know me, and given my often Bonkers Ramblings here :-D. Either way, I'm sure that PMR / GCA + any or all of a virus / infection / injury / stress = more discomfort and misery. But I'm sure many of Us Lot know the Plot here already...
In the meantime.. 'Teddy' (my trusted Companion, Butler and occasional Car Valeter) has savagely bitten the head-off my early Easter Gift to him of a Chocolate Bunny. I wouldn't mind, given his Bavarian heritage. All I would ask him to do is to spit-out the silver paper first. To quote the old saying: 'You can't get good staff nowadays..'
But I digress. What touched my Heart most in the UK national news this week (and to eclipse even the most exciting intrigues of Brexit etc) was a report about the UK's 2 oldest men, their Philosophy on Life, and their suggested reasons for such extraordinary longevity.
One, Mr Robert Weighton age 110 (and looking about 75 !) said (q.):
"I think Laughter is extremely important, and most of the trouble in the world is caused by people taking themselves too seriously". I take my hat-off to him and couldn't have put it better myself.
Robert went on to say: (q) "I have not lived my life avoiding being run-over by buses or getting cancer, or anything else. I've done nothing to deserve or achieve this age. I'm just one of the lucky ones". This 'Lucky Ones' remark nearly brought me to tears, given the tragic and harrowing events in the international news recently that have impacted on so many innocent and often much younger victims - and all of those connected with, or who knew them. As Robert poignantly suggests: 'all a matter of Luck / good fortune, or not....?'
The other, Alf Smith, also age 110 and from Wales said (q.): "Porridge! And, keeping active of course!". Ok, so tomorrow, Porridge + keeping (even more) active for me!
Wow - such a positive and inspirational outlook on the Journey of Life from 2 Centenarians who have 'written the book' on how to do it?! For me, at least, sometimes, the most simple sentiments and messages are the most powerful of all..
By contrast, the above media stories remind me of a reported account of the (one time) World's Oldest Women - a French Lady aged 115 and still regular consumer of alcohol and cigarettes - a few years ago. Apparently, she was interviewed by a 'young' (age 65) local newspaper reporter who enthusiastically asked: "Madame Deneuville (or whatever her name was), how do you feel to be age 115 - you must be so happy!" Her distainful reply was: "Young man, if I had known I would live this long, I would have looked after myself better". With all due respect to the other Gents, I also like this alternative Philosophy and sense of Irony. Actually, I like it a lot!
So folks: when we are feeling 'Down' with all things PMR / GCA and / or battling with Life in General, we can perhaps still choose whether to focus on the perceived Positives or Negatives of our situation? Yes, it can be a difficult call when seemingly doing Battle with Illness, Circumstances and Life's Twists and Turns generally.
But, with the help, compassion and moral / physical support from our Nearest and Dearest (or if not, sometimes, from others who are not so 'close'!), the resources of this forum, and with a deeper Perspective on how much worse things could be (?), we can perhaps find the important emotional 'Fuel in the Tank' to carry on and move forwards in an uncertain World.
I think Robert (age 110 and still going strong) has 'got it in one'...
Wishing you all a Happy Easter, and try to keep smiling on the Journey.
'Uncle' MB