Angel Whispers

On This Day

While the world reels over today's news and question marks hang over what the future holds I had my own little shock this morning too. An auspicious date 9/11 or 11/9 depending on which side of the pond you reside. I opened my mailbox to find a note congratulating me on being a member of WDC for fifteen years and also received a snail mail card in the post.

Fifteen years. A fifth of my life. Where has that time gone and what can I say I've achieved during that time? Not a lot would probably be my initial response. I do however know what I have lost and gained during those years.

I have lost my mother, my father, my mother-in-law and now my husband. I have also lost some friends and family, figuratively and literally, some pounds in weight and a few more of my marbles.

I have gained a Cambodian, disabled daughter-in-law, an adopted granddaughter and two blood grandsons. I have gained new family contacts by meeting relatives over the pond during our travels. I have gained a great nephew and a great niece. I have also gained a lot of friends all round the globe thanks to the internet and WDC. I have gained some pounds in weight and maybe a little wisdom and knowledge along the way.

Now if all that isn't fodder for a novel I don't know what is. All I need now is to be granted the time to write it.

Talking of books I was quite astounded on this notorious day by a quote I read. Before I went into hospital I was presented with a book of encouragement entitled 'Achieve Anything In Just a Year.' I didn't start reading it until I came home. One page a day with advice, thoughts and assignments. It's interesting and stimulating without being over ambitious or sickeningly positive. I doubt I will achieve a great deal over a year and have learned making plans isn't always advisable, but it's still a worthwhile read.

Today was day 70 for me. The quote...

'Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.' - Samuel Johnson

Very fitting I thought.