Significance

The sun rises
The sun sets
The same 24 hours every day; but somehow time appears to speed up as the years rush by.

I am  (we are) surrounded by that which is transient, with no intrinsic value. What significance is there apart from what I can impart to others.

For there to be longevity of vision or betterment of humanity there needs to be a giving of  oneself to the people who come after ourselves. A short-sighted  and me-only approach may feel nice  for  the individual but will ultimately lead to nothing.

Significance comes not in what you gain but by what you give.

Paul S Allen

Dunedin Sunrise – Photo © Paul S Allen 2012

 

A Temporary Inconvenience

Waiting for the physiotherapist to work on my injured ankle, click on the picture to read “I am no superman” to find out what happened.

OK, I know I do not have a permanent disability, but over the last few weeks I have has the misfortune to experience life on crutches. 
Over the time I have had to use public transport, buses, taxis, shuttles, air travel and the generous assistance of coworkers and friends.

I have eaten at restaurants and cafes and have had an overnight stay in a hotel.

I have learnt that there are some great and helpful people out there, to which I say thank you.

My short-term inconvenience is minor and I was reminded of this while waiting for a plane at Wellington airport when I saw a child on crutches who only had one leg. She will grow up having to live with that for life.

So what have I noticed?

The good.

• People are generally great about it and look out for you.
• Some buses can kneel  to assist you on and off.
• People offer to help

The not so good.

• I have had to get over my pride and accept help.
• At home we only have a shower over the bath and balancing on one leg is tricky as is getting in and out.
• Buses sometimes stop in strange places to far away from the kerb  and the jump is a long way.
• Vans are very hard to get in too
• Wet grass is not a good surface to hobble over on crutches. One of my crutches sunk in six inches.
• Staying in a hotel room alone poses a problem when moving hot drinks around.
Wet  bathroom floors in hotels are slippery.
• The upper body workout is hard work and tiring.

What have I learnt?

• Do not hurry down stairs! (marble stairs are very unforgiving)
• If you are on crutches for a long time wear thick gloves to pad your hands.
• Metal drink bottles and thermal coffee mugs with a lid are an essential.
• Make sure you have a small stool in the house that will fit into the bath.
• There is no shame to ask for help.
• I am no Superman

My ankle will heal (eventually) and this is a temporary inconvenience. I have a lot to be thankful for especially my wife, I have a great work place with a good team of people.

Paul S Allen