Monthly Archives: September 2012
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.
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.
