This time two years ago, I was recovering from a lumpectomy and then unexpectedly a watermelon of a Seroma. Since then, the whole world has been turned upside down and we are all still struggling to find the right way up. The fourth wave is retreating in our part of the world, (thank goodness) but there is more conflict and division than ever before. Somehow, humour has been engulfed by the surge and if feels as if all grey areas have been replaced by black and white. In the world generally I mean. It is up to us to tease this out again in our own lives and re-introduce it in our circles.

Humour must not fall!

Round about now, I need to show up for my second sixth month check up. I do not dwell on it. It is not on my list of things to do today. Art is and bringing Patches to life on my canvas. He’s not finished yet, but he is a beautiful stallion and I can hardly believe I am painting him. Before I go to sleep tonight, I’ll attempt to draw his eyes, the windows to his soul. If I don’t get them right, he won’t be Patches. But I am determined. Luckily oils are forgiving. If I get them wrong, I’ll simply do them again. Swimming at Davies pool in Onrus is still to be ticked off. So is re-planting my veggie garden and reminding my pupils of their Zoom lessons.

Amongst many other things, my medical check up is on tomorrow’s list. And yes, I am a little nervous. Scanxiety is a real thing. But it needs to fit into my schedule. Now is not the time to worry, if you get my drift.

The Oncology unit at Vincent Pallotti hospital was and still is a safe, reliable anchor. My doctor is a no-nonsense type of woman. She has always encouraged me to live courageously. Excuses are not in her radar. In fact, all the medical staff are on board and ready to support us. The pandemic only serves to highlight their incredible commitment to world class service. Why would I not go with their flow?

Of course we all worry. It’s part of the human condition. I’m merely suggesting that we give it a slot in our busy lives. It need not take over. I’m allowing it thirty minutes tomorrow morning. After that, it must get back into the queue as I have a life to live. An exciting one, where humour has a definite place.

I offer this idea to you, as a belated New Year’s resolution. If it doesn’t appeal to you, you can just laugh it off:)