A little tentatively, I am back at my desk.
I've learned a lot in the last week. I have learned I can go a week without blogging, or even writing. It's a very long time since that last happened. But I needed to stop.
I have learned that until I have an operation I am going to be in pain. That's not fun.
As a result I have learned what restricted mobility feels like.
To my sons' amusement, I have learned what it is like to beg them to slow down, rather than speed up.
I think really low fat diets are very boring, already.
I have explored the inside of my eyelids, a lot. And I have taken time to think. And read a bit. I realise I really like short books. I'd love to write a really effective one.
But actually, I've realised I want to be fit again and getting on with what really mattes to me — which is a fight for social justice for most people, who are denied it. And I'm still, very strongly of the view that tax is an essential component in delivering that justice.
It's not bad to take a week off to realise that, with some tweaks here and there, what you're trying to do is pretty much on the right track.
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I hope you soon have your operation and are fighting fit again. Best wishes
Richard, sorry to hear about your gall bladder problem.I had mine removed 20 years ago by keyhole surgery. I was certainly not ‘fair, fat’ but I was 40. You will feel much better afterwards. Best wishes.
The silver lining of a crisis – very salutary.
Hope you find some effective pain killers and not too long a wait for your operation.
Best wishes Richard. Hope you get your op soon.
Looks like at least two months off…..
So. Keynes was right about the economy. But he was quite wrong when he said “You can eat your way out of a gall bladder operation.”
Glad to have you back 🙂
🙂
Welcome back Richard, I was very sorry to learn of your health problems and hope things aren’t too bad waiting for the op.
The main thing is that you recover and if that means taking it easy, then so you must. Your work is invaluable but the most important thing for you is to get better for yourself and most of all your family. Those sons of yours need their dad fit and healthy for many years to come.
Kind regards
Jim
PS I’d like to offer words of encouragement about a low fat diet. After 20 years the best I can say is you do get used to it. I still fantasise about choccy biscuits ! Sorry 😉
Richard
We don’t often agree on matters, but I wish you a speedy recovery. Having recently spent 12 days in hospital (brilliant NHS care) with pneumonia which completely whacked me out, I’d advise you to take as long a break as possible before getting back in the saddle. Take a break and enjoy yourself with your family. You can’t get the time back.
Cheers
Richard
PS: my stay in hospital refreshed my taste for Frosties as a breakfast cereal!!!
Hello Richard,
hope your op is not far off. As many have written to you,take some time off with your family, Rome wasn’t built in a day and you can’t put the world to rights on your own. I appreciate your concern for justice, it makes me very angry to see how this world is divided up. Because you have that “inner light”, that’s what makes you who you are and why you are so passionate about injustice.
All the very best to you, have a break, and when fully recovered take up the baton once more.
Kind regards,
Mel
Thanks
I will not be going flat out until I have the op – and that’s not yet, I fear
Welcome back, Richard, and well done on a whole week of restraint! Take it steady, though and listen to your body (the pain is there for a reason!). After suffering with Crohns disease for seven years I find do a bit, rest a bit is the best formula,(aided and abetted by co-codamol 30/500). At least it came on while we still have our wonderful NHS!
I will heed your advice
Great to see you back -Richard and listening to the ‘still small voice’ within you. Your presence is a reassurance that the work of social justice goes on despite constant discouraging signs around us! Illness is a reminder of our vulnerability (which can also be a ‘good’ thing)my own struggle with ME has sensitized me to the struggles of others.