"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness".....and so on.
The opening lines to A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens and I have felt a certain connection to that over the last couple of years.
My health has been unexpectedly difficult since I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in 2018. This was followed by Chemotherapy, Surgery, Sepsis, Blood Transfusion, Chemotherapy again and a secondary surgery on my liver.
This was a pathway, that at 51, I did not have any real preparation for and it was initially a very anxious period.
My family and friends have been ultra supportive and have been there for me and we agreed for the open approach as to not hide away from this challenge. This really does help me.
My spiritual reawakening has proved invaluable day by day and I would probably reach for The Bible rather than The Irelands Own now and have found a better understanding of Christianity.
My positive nature and "this wont define me" attitude has got me to where I am now mentally and I strongly believe you live with Cancer, not always die from this disease.
Currently, I have had a setback and I am having more Chemotherapy and will see where this takes me on my health journey.
While we are under lockdown, be aware of your health, make those appointments, don't put off that scan.
Early diagnosis is the key to most things and for all of us to enjoy the seasons ahead.
As someone said once.. Oscar Wilde I think,
"We're all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars".
We send Tony, our treasurer and long serving member of our committee, the thoughts and prayers of our whole community. You're a strong man and you will face any battle with courage. A true fighter, our boxer.