THE TROUBLE WITHIN
Good health can so easily be taken for granted, especially through childhood and adolescence, because you're active and enjoying life. It seemed odd when the oldies referred to the importance of health. Recognising that it cannot be guaranteed is clearly a huge part of growing up. When someone or something threatens your very survival, you form a clear picture of what is truly valuable in life. It forces this reappraisal of thoughts and objectives upon you - the people, the needs, the ambitions, and the beliefs. The thought has crossed my mind that several people I have encountered should volunteer for a major trauma of some type, to give them perspective, to reorganise their priorities, to help them distinguish between the important and the petty. It amuses me watching people become frenzied over trivial things, but also I feel sadness for them.
Good health is a gift to be treasured. Now I know what my grandparents were on about.
The events of 1976 forced this realisation upon me. I now feel far more capable of distinguishing between that which is worthy of energy and commitment, and that which is not. Although sometimes after more than 30 years, I forget.
The telephone call broke the silence of the family room, dimly lit by the twilight hours. I was lost in the imagery of an outback novel, and made no attempt to respond. It was our local G.P., Dr Wrennall, with the results of the F.B.E., and because I had no reason to suspect anything too threatening, the voices did not capture my attention.
He knew that it was leukaemia, and was engaged in one of those horrific conversations that all doctors must dread. The need for more detailed testing was explained, but it was vital at this time, that my mother be prepared for the most likely, and worst, possibility.
A slamming car door signalled my father's return. It was the cue for my mother to move quickly from the house to deliver the medical bombshell. I sat in ignorance then, as I did throughout the evening, as my parents tried to decide whether others should know of the early diagnosis; especially me. Until the specialist had been consulted, they kept the knowledge to themselves, pinning their hopes on the slim chance that the results were wrong.
