Yep … Passenger

So how did I get here? Sitting in a room in the emergency department of Fremantle Hospital at 5:30 a.m. on a Friday, tapping out this stream of consciousness, or perhaps I should say semi-conciousness.

Thursday had its ups and downs. My rear dérailleur cable snapped on the way to work, presenting challenges of its own, but thanks to a very accomplished bike mechanic the bike was fixed in time to give me a great ride home.

Once I got home life was pretty normal. That was until we got the call. Our daughter, Emily, was experiencing sharp pains and needed to be picked up from her part time job. Pauline headed out to get her and soon realised this was more than a tummy ache. After dropping home so that Emily couple change they headed out again to the after hours GP. The doctor suspected appendicitis so we all headed for Armadale Hospital where we waited about three hours for Emily to be seen by a doctor. After some initial treatment it was suggested we drive Emily to Fremantle where she could be seen by a surgeon.

That was many hours ago. Emily has been looked after very well by some lovely staff but the surgeon has had to go to theatre so we’re waiting again. Thankfully Emily’s now quite comfortable but Pauline and I could do with a bed and some sleep … and for that matter the dinner we missed out on last night.

Seeing an emergency department go about their business in the wee small hours is quite an experience. Doctors, nurses and support staff all go about their business, never knowing what the next moment will bring.

Just a short while ago a patient was wheeled past the room where Emily is resting. The patient was in a bed surrounded by medical staff, blood across their face. I caught just a snatch of the conversation as they passed. “Yep, passenger.” The victim of a road accident no doubt. Right now there are two police officers exchanging information on a crash with the emergency department staff.

There’s a lot of waiting for us here this morning but there’s also a sense that our girl is in very good, caring hands. Hands that will be called upon to patch up people from a variety of circumstances. I’ve only caught a snapshot of what goes on here but it’s enough to give me great respect for those who day after day care for those who come through the door marked ‘EMERGENCY’.



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Under the Mower

I was a little surprised when I spotted this Facebook advertisement last night. I was checking Facebook just one last time before heading into the land of nod and noticed the Alroh ad in the sidebar. Interesting.

I’m sure that they’re wonderful mowers, and I’d love to have one to replace the old clunker in our shed, but I have my reservations about what their advertisement suggests.

Alroh Mowers have been around for over 60 years and they’re a fine local product.

The first Alroh was designed and built by Alan Robert Hair in Perth, Western Australia back in 1951.

It was boom time in Perth, and the growing population and number of home-owners had led to a growing trend for carefully and lovingly tended back lawns.

Hair’s strong durable mower was built to be perfectly suited to Australian conditions.

The problem I have is the claim the Facebook ad makes of a ‘surgical cut’. Fortunately I’ve never had to wear one of those embarrassing hospital gowns and face any kind of surgery, but if I’m ever to end up on the operating table I don’t think I’d be keen on Dr Kildare wandering in with his Alroh.

We talk about people ‘going under the knife’ but how much more frightening would that be if you were to ‘go under the mower’?

I’d be very happy to have an Alroh for a quality, precision cut for my lawn, but I think I’ll pass on the surgical cut.



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Robin Williams suffering heart problems

57 year old Oscar winning actor and comedian Robin Williams is is reported to be in the intensive care unit of a Miami hospital with heart issues.

The Miami Herald is reporting that Williams has recently postponed all four performances of his one-man show in Florida in their story Robin Williams in South Florida hospital.

A media release on his website says that doctors are advising rest.

Robin Williams has postponed four upcoming performances of his one-man comedy show entitled “Weapons of Self-Destruction.” The comedian was scheduled to perform at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on Wednesday, March 4th, and Thursday, March 5th, at the UCF Arena in Orlando, Florida on Friday, March 6th and at the Sundome in Tampa, Florida on Saturday, March 7th. Williams was experiencing shortness of breath and is currently being evaluated by doctors who are recommending a week of rest.

I’ve enjoyed his work over many years. He has an amazing talent for comedy but perhaps my favourite role from Williams was in the very dark 2004 movie The Final Cut. It’s certainly not a cheery film but it does leave you thinking through the issues it raises about how we remember people.

I’m sure that many people will be hoping and praying for a quick and full recovery.



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A sad goodbye

Less than a month ago I let you know that one of Pauline’s sisters, Carina, had been diagnosed with fairly advanced cancer.

Yesterday evening, while we were visiting her at Bethesda Hospital, Carina passed away. She was just 41. Funeral arrangements will be made in the coming days.

Please pray for Carina’s family and friends.

Over the past few weeks I have started planning a significant event to honour Carina and the many others in our community who have been touched by cancer. The event will take place in October this year and I’ll give you further details once plans are more certain.



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An absolute tragedy

songstress.jpgThe Songstress at News from the Great Beyond needs your prayer and support.

Her incredibly well written post, This Sucks, is absolutely heart breaking. I don’t think I’d ever be strong enough to write a post like that under such terrible circumstances.

Please visit, read the entire post, assure her of your support, then tell someone close how much you love them.



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