Health

​A New Beginning
(written 09112020 for a magazine)
Everything was going along as I expected.  Little did I know my life was about to change dramatically.
I was working in finance.  I had been in the job a number of years and it had changed enough regularly to keep me engaged.   I had staff who reported to me, and my job was to ensure figures were provided each month so the boss could get a picture of where the business was at, and make decisions accordingly.  When the boss was away that was my job.
One day I had pins and needles on my face and arm most the day.  When I told my boss, I was sent to the workplace medical centre.  They sent me to hospital where I had scans.
A brain tumour was found.  I was told to have the holiday that was due, then have an operation.  When my wife spoke to our local GP about it, she was told there was a good chance I would not walk again and die soon.  A wheelchair was purchased.
I knew none of this. As far as I was concerned, I would have an operation and be back at work in a few days.  Little did I know.
We had our holiday and I resigned from being President of a local club of which I had been nominated as Queensland sports volunteer of the year.  I went for my operation.  Getting to the tumour gave me a stroke.  My balance is shot, and I get the occasional head spins.  I spent time in recovery and rehabilitation.  Fortunately, the walking again was not a problem, but I get fatigued much easier than I did once.
Work did not want me back.  That came as a shock.  Hindsight has shown that was a sensible decision.  I did wonder though where they would find the 15 people to replace me (I was dreaming).
In one day, my life had changed completely.  Thankfully, my faith sustained me through it all.  I had worked and expected one day to retire, but one day became this day.  It all seemed a bit early.  I felt that all being well, I had years of contributing left.
I had to come to terms with my changed circumstances.  I could have rolled over and played dead.  But the picture that came to my mind was a guitar.  It has six strings.  Maybe I only had four now, but a beautiful sound can come from four.  I knew four strings could keep me busy, so I decided not to bemoan what I had lost, but to use what I had.
I am volunteering on multiple fronts, and do what I can around our yard.  I see people regularly and have an interest in computing, photography, stamps and reading.
There is no doubt that once I could do more, but now I do more with less.