When faced with the fact that The Grim Reaper is on track to meet up with you in the not too distant future you really have only two choices if you get down to basics: Accept it and sit and wait for it to happen, ending your days in quiet contemplation. Live each day as if it is your last and enjoy it as much as you can.
I have chosen the latter. If I feel frail I have a quiet day. If I have more 'get up and go' (a very relative term when on 'end of life' care is all there is on offer) then I do things I fancy doing - chat with friends,have a hot choc and eat two two-finger Kit Kats kidding myself that two two fingers is not quite as calorific as 1 four-finger, watch day-time TV (especially The Bidding Room which I love for its sheer daft behaviour), go to bed at half past eight having put the blanket on a couple of hours earlier (a single bed is a lonely, cold bed after two happy marriages). There is a freedom of choice in it.
I read a Book Review in Saturday's Times -"Running on Empty" by Guy Deacon. It looked like a good read and good old Amazon Prime had it on my doormat by lunchtime on Sunday.
Guy has had Parkinson's for almost fourteen years after a brilliant Army Career since 1985. Faced with the awful truth that bit by bit the disease would take away almost all his faculties,he set out to plan and then carry out a mostly solo drive down the length of Africa; his aim being to 'advertise' to the World and to Africa in particular that this awful disease is shared by many the world over and that it is a nerological condition and - in Africa in particular - that it is nothing whatsoever to do with evil spirits, with witchcraft, with anything other than an illness like any other and that it should be treated as such; that sufferers needed compassion, understanding, love, care, medical attention not ostracization.
Believe me it is the most fascinating and inspirational book I have read in a long time. The scrapes he gets into, the battering hisVW Campervan gets, his bad days when Parkinson's attacks with a bit more ferocity than usual. This often makes painful reading but that is far, far offset by the kindness, the helpfulness and the hospitality he encounters throughout his trek.
I had finished the book by yesterday and this morning saw him on Breakfast TV. Apparently there is a Channel 4 Documentary on parts of the expedition and there is also a Charity set up to ensure that all proceeds from the sale of the book go to Parkinson's charities.
I hope the author realises that his book is an inspiration to anyone nearing the end of life. I have neither the funds, the knowledge, the energy or indeed the inclinatiom to follow in his footsteps (My 'off road' travelling never got started - travel companies for me I am ashamed to say. Off-road was always got from books and imagination. I am ashamed to say I like a nice lav and a clean shower).
But my goodness me it has certainly given my 'get up and get doing something' a giant boost.
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36 comments:
You are my inspiration.
Like you I like a clean and fully working toilet, running water and a nice shower. My idea of 'camping' is now a static caravan with all mod cons. But I do love to read about people who throw themselves completely into such treks as Guy's. It is just so inspiring and really gets the old brain cells working doesn't it. I also love it when a book inspires me to down all tools and sit and read from cover to cover so that I can find out how it ends.
Books are such wonderful companions, aren't they? I get so much enjoyment out of the books I read and wonder how different my life would be without them. Glad you find many ways to lift your spirits, Pat.
The book sounds fascinating. What a journey his must have been. I enjoy off-road travel, even bought supplies so we can go camping again! But I know it is not for everyone. I think you travel "off-road" in your mind quite often, Pat. Your ruminations are a delight and inspiration.
This sounds like a good inspirational read. I do not travel well roughing it. I like a good heating and cooling with all the accommodations. Long treks in a van has no appeal to me.
Your blog is my number one inspiration. Thank you for the book recommendation. I shall look for it. My Mother had Parkinson's followed by Dementia. I need to buy some KitKats. - Jackie
I too need a clean bathroom and warm shower and comfortable bed when I travel. I enjoy inspirational books and one written by a person who has an incurable illness, but still is living life on his terms as long as possible, is a good read for all of us. You are my inspiration as I age. To put all your blog posts in one place would make an inspirational and interesting book.
For what it's worth I will
share a bit of my experience - I traveled far and wide in adventurous ways as a single woman, usually taking my young son with me,and later had far tamer years with my husband until he passed away.All of those
parts of my life were good choices at the time,yet I treasure the memories of the love shared far more than I do having seen oceans and wildlife. You have seen and shared love
and scenery,Pat, in my opinion your life is and has been lovely,- Mary
I've always had a sneaking admiration for those who plan to go out in real style, even if they have no funds. I'm thinking of those who go on long trips they can't possibly pay for, book luxury hotel suites, hire a country house to entertain their friends one last time, buy fine wines or whisky for their final months. Kit Kats don't really cut it in this scenario. It's never too late until it is. I don't think I'd be brave enough myself, and yes, I do know, someone always suffers the financial hit.
Good post thank you. I will see if I can get the book and maybe even take it to heart.
You are such an inspiring woman, dear Weaver. Please eat ALL the kit kats you want, calories be damned.
I for one am so glad you are sharing your thoughts here in blogland. Each day is so wonder-filled, when we stop and think about the little pleasures we/you have. Kit-Kat bars a-plenty!
What a wonderful decision you've made to enjoy each day as you're able to given the energy you have available and I'm so glad you found such an inspiring book to read at this stage of your life. And such an amazing coincidence to find the author on the breakfast show! Perhaps a little miracle of timing just for you?!
Oh, be bold and enjoy all of every 4 finger Kit-Kat you can get your hands on! Enjoy foods you love that your doctor long ago said you should not ever eat. It's all part of your wise choice to enjoy your remaining days to the maximum.
Thanks for today's post!
Hugs!
Your get up and go has not yet got up and gone by a long way.
I'm glad you have the good days to keep posting - carry on with those kit-kats and good books.
Keep on keeping on
I saw him on breakfast TV this morning and thought what an amazing man. Definitely an inspiration to us all. I do hope he managed to inspire other sufferers during his travels. The journey itself would have been too much for me, even without his physical and mental problems.
💐🦋☀️
A good post..and inspiring. Pirate always said that every time the Reaper came near he bribed him with a bottle of whisky!! Then carried on enjoying life and doing what he could do.
What a great story about Guy Deacon and his travels in Africa, educating others to use kindness instead of prejudice with Parkinson's disease,in return, experiencing much kindness himself.
There is a quote 'kindness is a melody that soothes the soul'. so I guess there was lots of humming to that tune during his travels, and a chance for people to show their better selves.
You prove Weave, you can still hum through life when the going gets tough physically and things prove challenging each day. You would have been a soul-soother many times in your career, life and marriages, I'm sure.
Again Pat, an inspiring post. Thank you.- Pam. Aust.
I read an article in The Telegraph about a man named Simon Boas. Someday, if you find yourself needed a 'boost', look him up while drinking your hot chocolate and having a kit kat.
When faced with the fact that The Grim Reaper is on track to meet up with you in the not too distant future you really have only two choices if you get down to basics: Accept it and sit and wait for it to happen, ending your days in quiet contemplation. Live each day as if it is your last and enjoy it as much as you can.
You know where I work Pat
A few weeks ago the hospice was busy, one patient looked out for me every morning and when he saw my car arrive , he would flick the v
At me as I got out
Of course I would do the same
This went on until he wasn’t there to do it anymore
And when I got into work I was presented with a box
On it was note telling me who it was from
When I opened it there was a nurses glove blown up
And it sticking 2 fingers up at me
You are my gal Pat xxxx
I love that, John! - Debby
At the beginning of this post you talk about living your last days as if each was the last. That is when people have accepted their end. I appreciate these long posts with some very important opinions.
Glad you are having a good day Pat!
Kathy
Gentle John always manages to say the right thing ;) My first husband always said that when you die the world ceases to exist. Which obviously is true but the worries of the world also cease to exist, you are granted freedom at last. Pat your spirit is so strong that it will always be with us. Perhaps we should have a kit-kat party. xxx
I had a few smiles while reading your replies this morning. Love John's 'two fingers' episode - John's caring attitude must be wonderful for those patients.
Good to see I am not alone in my enjoyment at reading about others who really 'rough it' on their travels while liking all mod cons myself.
How good it would be to have a kit kat party with you all. Pirate could bring the whiskey!!
All your posts have made me better, in so many ways. I Thank You for that.
A true wonder you are!
Kay
You are an inspiration to us all and your stories/memories are wonderful to hear. 💐
Gosh Weaver, you are a quick reader! I am so slow to finish books. Actually I only read on the loo,and my bowels are very efficient so that doesn't help!
Your attitude impresses me Pat. And I’ll certainly be raising a glass, and joining that TicTok party in your honour!
I require a clean ensuite bathroom and a good, a very good bed! And comfortable travel arrangements! Arranged by some one else! I am a wuss! I enjoy new scenery, but I also like to spend a day in a good museum and another in a good Art gallery, and a go to an opera of classical music evening, so I’m a culture vulture too…. But READING about others travel adventures is exciting, and makes me decide they’re either hero's, or completely nuts.
I love that you enjoy the times when you have 'get up and go' and, of course, during times when your 'get up and go' has 'got up and went' you have a quiet day taking it easy. Enjoy the Kit-Kats!
Virginia - A woman after my own heart. Agree entirely.
TFE Ispaghula Husk ensures no time for reading!
I do hope you all manage to read.
his book. I found it 'unputdownable'
Good choice, Weave.
Do you believe in an after life or do you think death is final in the sense of becoming a pile of ashes and that is it?
Bathrooms, showers, and a great bed are basic necessities!!! NO reason to feel ashamed!
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