Dec. 11, 2021

Two great outiings…..1. Alain and Bronwyn, the couple I married back In October and their parents. They fetched me and we spent a good time together and I had a look at their hhouse which overlooks the sea (but it was raining and misty so you couldn’t see much.) I also found a new friend in their dog Sammy. They said he doesn’t usually like men but we hit it off immediately. I love dogs and he must have smelled a positive smell. Ha. Alain has a collection of books that could match any library and he does a lot of writing.. Very enjoyable. I am already looking forward to our next get together.

Outing #2..Dr. Don O’Mahony, who moved up from Port St. Johns (in the Transkei, about 100 km. from Mthatha). He was the only doctor in Port St. John’s for a while and almost all of his patients were Africans. His wife is a Xhosa woman, a nurse by profession but also a very good business woman. She developed cottages and a conference center at the sea (Indian Ocean). But has now gone deep into dementia and doesn’t know her husband or anyone but just wanders around the house and the grounds, but her smile melts hearts. He has to wash, her and dress her and look after her, but he has some help from one of her relatives and her 5 yr. old son, Alwandle. Don has become a beloved grandfather figure.I was thinking of the marriage vows, in sickness and in health. I was touched and moved by the tender and understanding and patient love I witlnessed.

 

Those are the main things that happened. There is one other to be mentioned. I went to see a dermatologist about a terrible itch. Nothing that we tried helped. But he gave a prescrption that had to be mixed in the pharmacy and it worked like  charm. Itch gone. One of the care givers helped by smearing this stuff on my back before I slept when she was around.

 

I just realized that I haven’t even thought of my annual Christmas letter. I must do that tomorrow.

 

 

Also, I was worried about all those who are suffering because they have no income and are really struggling. My cupboard was bare but there was an outpouring of generosity that took care of that. It will be great to be able to offer some help with Christmas money, far more than  I could ever have expected and it will be a great help to many. For all of you who contributed , many many thanks.

    That’s enough for now.

As for me, I am alright. I use two elbow crutches when I am out and about, but in my room I have been trying to move around without crutches or the 4 legger. I sometimes also try to walk without touching anything. I feel that the physio (thanks to Br. Albert every day) has helped to make progess. But the spasms also complicate things but I am getting used to them too.