beyond our vision 01:14:04 on Wednesday, December 9 2009

I received a card today, from a neighbour who lives here some of the time, and the rest (most) of the time, she is in another land.  She has shared her homes with her husband and loved him to the end.  This year has been a painful one for her, and this Christmas time I know her loss and bereavement will be sharp and raw. I was touched by the words she wrote in the card, to me, thanking me for my support.  I feel I have done nothing, but hope she know's I am here for her, whether she is here or abroad.

Additional to her note to me, the card enclosed some words that I want to share with you.  They spoke loudly to me.

"Christmas came and blessed us with it's magic,

We felt again the warmth that it can bring -

The joy and happiness of being together,

The promise of another coming spring.

But no one knows what lies beyond our vision,

The destiny that shapes our mortal lives,

So we should love and care for one another,

In memory of those now in the skies."

For Alan, Christmas 2009. 

And as an extra word or two from me, Al, I think that this is truly beautiful, comforting and wise.  You only get one go at life - give it your best.

Al

freedom 02:17:22 on Sunday, December 6 2009

I had a wonderful weekend a fortnight ago.  An incredibly generous gift of a weekend away that I will write more about another time.  In the meantime here is just a snippet...

On the sunday morning, I needed to check out of my room before noon.  I loaded most of my things into the car, and just left one bag with a change of clothes etc.  J, V and I set off on an expedition.  A bike ride.  For a change it wasn't raining, and I was dressed in basic gym kit - a t shirt and leggings and trainers.  Off we went on mountain bikes, following a 1 hour route through the lanes. 

Once I had got to grips with the gears on the bike and how to operate them I was off on my way and happy as larry.  Slightly out of control at times - especially as we free-wheeled downhill - and feeling far safer as we pedalled uphill.  I took the lead, and every once in a while J shouted directions at me and I duly followed.  The 3 of us chatted, and laughed, and it was all good fun. 

Half way through our mini adventure, the heavens opened.  It didn't just rain, it poured.  And poured.  Icy cold wet wet rain.  It didn't take long before I was soaked - and frozen - to the core.  My hands were stinging and I was cold to the bone and soggy to the max. It was a good half hour before we would be back in warmth and dryness and the freezing rain fell thicker and faster. 

Against the odds, and rejecting the potential for protest, I laughed, and squealed and delighted in the moment.  Yes conditions were poor, yes it could have been a bit of a slog to not feel beaten, but I felt so ALIVE.  Out there, in the elements, sodden and sopping and it just didn't matter.  I was a drowned rat but I was an alive, exhilerated creature, pedalling for dear life and laughing at myself, at the situation, at the freaky weather, and at life. 

Alive alive alive.  So very alive and loving every second.  Life is awesome - even when dark clouds gather.

Al

twitter 01:06:01 on Sunday, December 6 2009

Just getting to grips with twitter.  You can follow me if you wish!  @AlCorkran. 

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Al