I’ve joined a new club over recent months. I’ve received membership to shopping centre lounge areas where, without overly stereotyping, older men often sit and wait for shopping family members. I’ve done my bit to bring down the average age of the cohort and I’m hoping my membership is temporary. With a coffee and novel … Continue reading Thankful!
Family
When life throws you a curve ball [and jelly!]
My wife believes there is nothing good at all about green jelly and so the only time it gets a run on our family menu is when Megan makes my Dad his favourite Christmas trifle. Well, Christmas has come early this year, with a bowl of sweet and tangy lime jelly on my hospital menu … Continue reading When life throws you a curve ball [and jelly!]
Exiles Welcome!
For many years now, Megan, our kids and I have had the privilege of sharing our house and dining table with many people who are not like us. And these beautiful people, all with different stories, have taught me, stretched me, grown me and blessed me in so many ways. They have deposited far more … Continue reading Exiles Welcome!
I miss you Mum!
It’s hard to fathom that it has been 12 months since my Mum passed away. I miss her dearly. I miss many things, most of all, the simple things we can so easily take for granted. Yet these become such rich things as we cherish memories of those we love deeply. I miss calling Mum … Continue reading I miss you Mum!
When pain shouts!
I let the technologist choose the backing music for a series of scans I had this week. Train’s “Drops of Jupiter” and Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” competed with the loud banging and clanging of the MRI machine. Then came “When I’m Gone” by 3 Doors Down. Maybe not the best song for an MRI playlist meant to distract … Continue reading When pain shouts!
Rest Mum, Rest!
As a child I often woke in the middle of the night. It might have been fear of the dark, a bad dream, a strange noise or a loud storm. For a short season, when I was 12, it was an irrational fear of death. Whenever I woke, I would run, crying, to my parent’s … Continue reading Rest Mum, Rest!
The ageing clock
Like so many of us in this strange and stretching season I won’t get to see my Dad for Father’s Day tomorrow, but my heart will surely be with him. Tomorrow he will wake for his first Father’s Day without my Mum at home by his side. As the ancient wisdom writer penned “there is a … Continue reading The ageing clock
A one way ticket to war!
It’s such a small item. So easily disposable. A tiny orange, fading paper rail ticket. Yet what a treasured possession! Why is it so special? Well, it’s stood the test of time. It’s 103 years old and it belonged to my great grandfather Harold Stanley Butler. The ticket made it all the way back from … Continue reading A one way ticket to war!
Staying the course!
It was one of those special moments to bottle! After two seasons of basketball and playing his last game before feet surgery this week, Arli found himself at the free-throw line with his mighty U10 Whitehorse Mustangs. Despite giving his best and loving playing with his friends, Arli hadn't scored a basket in more than … Continue reading Staying the course!
Life’s Certainties
I took Ada and Arli for a walk to the beach yesterday and yes, it was bound to happen. The sun was out, but a cold breeze was blowing and the water was very chilly. But here is one of life’s great certainties – if Arli is anywhere near water he will get wet – … Continue reading Life’s Certainties
APilgrimPens 