I just needed to get this out there. Life is a fragile thing. Taken, all too often, for granted.
I could easily have ignored that call today when my phone lit up with the single word ‘Dad’ on the screen. Whilst in the midst of juggling many things at work, as so many of us do, I thought to myself “I’ll call him back”. But my actions contradicted my thoughts and suddenly the phone was answered. What followed flawed me…
Systemic Amyloidosis…his wife, Jacquie, has been “feeling under the weather” since Christmas…she now has months to live.
This is an illness I’ve never heard of or know anything about. What I do know is this is going to destroy his world.
I’m asking myself endless questions like ‘How can I support my Dad?’, ‘Can I help make the most of their remaining time together special?’, ‘Am I making the most of my life?’, ‘Why am I sitting on a train at 9pm and not at home with my family?’, ‘How would I react?’. None of these I want to be asking or thinking about.
I’ve been guilty of taking life for granted, I’m thankful for all that I have; my beautiful wife and son, my fantastic home, the abilities I have, the eyes I have to see this, the ears I have to hear a beautiful piece of music. I need to be more thankful. When I say thank you I feel good and feeling good only attracts more good.
I am thankful for the joy Jacquie has brought to my Dad’s life…