an ordinary man...

He is not a famous actor, nor a world-class athlete, or someone who gets written about in newspapers or appears on tv, but he is a generous, giving, gentlemanly gentle man, always quick with a witty retort (usually at his own expense!), a mentor, a diplomat who could calm warring parties into seeing things from both sides. He is my Dad. Yesterday Dad had an emergency quadruple by-pass and at this moment lies in the Intensive Care Unit at Royal Perth Hospital hooked up to life support machines. There were some doubts as to whether he would survive the surgery and a nearly 50% chance of him suffering a stroke during the procedure. So far all has gone well and as a friend of mine said "wishing him a speedy and boring recovery".



Some of you may have read in an earlier post how generous a spirit my Dad has when he found that he was unable to go on our mega-trip because of his ill health, he gave his trip to my best girlfriend so she could enjoy it with us. He told my Mum she still had to go as he would feel even worse if he thought she would miss out too. The highlight for Dad was that Joan had a fantastic time and he was truly, genuinely pleased for her. He's known Joan since we were in high school together 37 years ago so she is like a 2nd daughter to my parents.



I don't generally write much personal stuff on my blog, but I just wanted to say (and write) out loud, "I'm not ready to lose my Dad"!!! I know everyone loses loved ones, all 4 of my grandparents have passed away, as well as a cousin (much too young!), but losing a parent is a pain that we must all go through at some stage in our lives and this scare has come too soon for me. Give your Mum and Dad a hug and tell them you love them.....now!



Not much arting has been done in my house in the last few days but I found when I did my last couple of atc's, they were reflecting my sombre mood. The first one is winging it's way off over East for someone else and the 2nd one, well....think I'll keep this one as a reminder of this week of my life. You can blame my Dad for my sense of the absurd and my Mum for the pragmatism. I still remember as a small child watching Monty Python's Flying Circus with my Dad and my Dad, brothers and myself cracking up at each scenario and Mum sitting there wondering what we were finding so funny. I'm sure he'll see the funny side of his hospital stay in a month's time too!