Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom (And Whimsy)

Posted on April 15, 2025 under Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom with 2 comments

 

You scratch my back…

 

Life is one long, continuous learning curve.

A week and a half ago, I suffered a rather nasty injury. I tripped on a curb and landed hands free on the sidewalk in front of Sobey’s. It was quite the scene. Only loyal Sobey’s customers will get the double entendre. I’m on the mend but it is going to require time and patience.

Besides the pain, the worst part of this is missing my students. The 600 or so students at SAJS are like family to me. I like being around young people. They give me energy and hope in a world filled with chaos and despair these days. One egotistical, self-absorbed, bloviating, boorish, braggart who is the epitome of narcissism, has the entire world gasping at his stupidity and his ability to do untold harm.

When you have lots of time on your hands, you tend to think a lot. This is quite dangerous if you are a grumpy 73-year-old man! I have tried to read during the past 10 days, but the combination of pain and pain medication has left my powers of concentration wanting. The Masters golf tournament last week was a wonderful distraction. I have consciously tried to avoid watching the news. There’s only so much pain a person can endure. I have been watching a wonderful series on CBC Gem called The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

My big writing project has stalled. I was on such a great role. It’s bad enough trying to hunt and peck with one good hand, but when you are reduced to typing with your left hand, the non-dominant one, the task becomes daunting.

I am not the most tech savvy person in the universe, but I was aware of voice to text. I tried the dictation feature on Microsoft Word and wasn’t totally enamored. Then I tried Google Docs which was marginally better, but I soon discovered that typing and speaking operate in different pathways in the brain. I simply can’t compose sentences while speaking into a microphone. So here I am, hunting and pecking with my left hand. At the clip I’m going, I reckon that I should finish my autobiography by 2030, or I could just skip the last 30 years of my life!

I can’t say enough of the kindness of my family, my neighbors, and my friends. Everyone has been so supportive, and I want to acknowledge all of the messages that I have received, along with an abundance of food.

I had a visit from Continuing Care last week. As you can well imagine, these folks are run off their feet. I was extremely grateful for their visit, as I risked eviction from my apartment building if someone hadn’t come to wash my armpits. I learned how to put on a shirt, and I will receive a shower aid from the Red Cross.

I travelled to New Glasgow last Friday to meet with an orthopedic surgeon. I can’t say enough about the experience. Everything ran on time and every person I dealt with was super helpful and professional. I was very fortunate to be accompanied by my daughter, Ellie, who took copious notes. Before meeting the surgeon, I had an intake interview with a fracture liaison Registered Nurse. I never knew that there was such an individual, but this person deals almost exclusively with fractures to the arms and hips. She was extremely helpful, and she laid out the next steps in the process.

I had a nice chat with Dr.Prassad. I had met him several years ago and wrote a story about his journey from India to Antigonish. I was relieved to learn that I wouldn’t require surgery. A few more months in a sling and 4 months until I completely recover. Sadly, this will prohibit me from participating in the Scottish heavy events at the Highland Games this summer!

I was fitted with a new sling which is comfortable and brilliant in its simplicity.

I remain grateful. My injuries could have been much worse. I’m receiving great care.

I won’t be strumming my guitar any time soon.

Life is good.

I’m armed with a new sling and a better attitude.

Have a great Easter weekend.