Greetings All
As some of You Lot know, I appear to be quite an outgoing and usually frivolous contributor here. But (believe it or not), I’m not one for striking up conversations with Strangers in public especially when feeling under the weather with the usual PMR / GCA-related Pain, Stiffness and DF that affect many of us.
That said: during my usually delinquent and grumpy PMR-influenced rampages around WSM this week, I had an intriguing encounter with a distinguished-looking older Gentleman across a crowded space: and whom I thought I recognised from my past.
The Older Man’s enigmatic gaze compelled me to break the awkward silence between us, so I approached him tentatively and asked:
MB: Excuse me, your face is familiar but I can’t place it. What is your name? Have we met somewhere, sometime - maybe professionally? I don’t know…
Stranger (with a kind but wry smile): You’re MB, aren’t you? Just call me ‘GF’. Yes, I know you very well and I’ve been quietly following you around for a long time. Sorry…
MB (still inquisitive but now suspicious): Who are you and how, exactly, do you know me? Why have you been following me? Are you a Detective, or maybe a Stalker? So, please prove to me what YOU know about ME?
GF (with a knowing wink): MB, I can tell you this: You’ve achieved many good things in your life and career so far. You’ve travelled a lot, met and worked with People from all walks of Life, and had some exciting adventures along the way. You’ve loved and been loved in equal measure. Yes, you’ve taken a few risks and made a few mistakes, but that’s ok - we are all Human. Sometimes, Life’s Dice have rolled against you, and you’ve also had some tough Challenges on your Journey. But the main thing is that you have survived all of these things: and you can still Smile - and help others to smile too. Good Fortune has been On Your Side more often than not, and will continue to be. Yes, I’ve always operated quietly in the background of your Life - although you might not have been aware of, or trusted me at times. Make the Most of the GF that you have enjoyed, and share it with others. Enough said?!
The enigmatic GF smiled again - and paused for what seemed like an eternity.
MB (now irritated): So, why are you telling me what I already know?
GF (hastily but cheerily): Because, MB, now that we have met Face to Face and in a brief Moment in Time, you might appreciate exactly how I (GF) work. I’ll give you a clue: Reflect on yourself Positively and you’ll see the Real You more clearly when the Going gets Tough and your Spirits are Low on your PMR Journey. Please pass this Wisdom on to others who might benefit from it too. Sorry, I must go now - I have a few other Confused PMR and GCA Souls to look after, and my Caseload is increasingly busy nowadays! Ta-ta, and Good Luck!
With that, GF faded equally mysteriously back into the crowd.
MB: But.. Wait.. Hang on a minute! Who are you really? What do the initials GF stand for..? Grrr, I want Answers please!
But GF had spoken - and left me to draw my own conlusions. I left the initially crowded but now paradoxically empty space and returned to the Mansions feeling mentally exhausted and confused: my PMR and Pred-addled Brain racing to remember who this fleeting and mysterious but seemingly benevolent Stranger ‘GF’ was in my past Life - not forgetting my present one with PMR.
Eventually, I slept on things with more Questions than Answers in my Mind about the day’s unusual encounter.
The next morning, despite feeling unusually refreshed, I hesitantly glanced in the same old mirror as usual - expecting to see the same old weary, reflected image of myself that I have often known for 4 years on my PMR Journey.
But, to my surprise, guess who I could see smiling gently back at me..? (Clue: GF).
My Conclusion?
Philosophically, sometimes the Answer is hidden in the Question: and how we perceive our Self in the Mirror of Life might depend as much on how we choose to gaze into it than anything else?
Food for thought: especially when battling with the more practical / medical day-to-day challenges of dealing with Life Changing illnesses like PMR and GCA?
Best wishes, and try to stay Positive / not to lose sight of your True Self and Value to Others on the PMR / GCA Journey.
‘Uncle’ MB
p.s. On ‘Reflection’, Note to Self: Better not get rid of that old mirror after all..? 
