Do you ever have one of those ‘Swings & Roundabouts’ days? I’ve had one today.
It started off with a trip to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for my 6-monthly check up. As usual I didn’t sleep much the night beforehand wondering if the ultrasound scan would show a return of papillary thyroid cancer.
I left in plenty of time as there’s a lot of waiting around, firstly for a blood test and then for the ultrasound itself. I tried to focus on my Kindle, but eventually gave up. After my blood test I had 45 minutes before the ultrasound, and so I decided to sit by the entrance and people-watch instead.
All life walked, hobbled, or strode in front of me. Some had one stick, some had two, and some were in wheelchairs. I counted my blessings and thought of my mother in her last years, and how she tried to pass off her fear of death with blasts of humour. I could still hear her voice in my head:
“First you see them with one stick, then you see them with two sticks, and then you don’t see them at all…”
The usual doctor greeted me at the Ultrasound Department. After only five minutes or so he announced that there was nothing to find in my neck that shouldn’t be there. Another clear scan! I must admit there is a great feeling of relief at being told this.
After driving the 40 miles home again I turned on the computer to catch up with my emails and there finally was a message from the New York media production company who were reading ‘For the Sake of a Child’. This is the message I received:
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After an initial feeling of disappointment, it occurred to me that hey, I’ve had really good news about my health today, and good health is all that matters really, isn’t it? I don’t need another scan for a whole year now, and am free to enjoy the summer without worry. I cannot ask for more. All this writing stuff comes in second to knowing that I’m going to be around and relatively healthy for a bit longer!
Some days you just have to take stock of what you do have…
dgkaye said:
I’m so happy for you Stevie! Yay!!!!!! And even the rejection letter had a positive feel. You never know if your book will be something they’re looking for later. 🙂 Cheers to health! ❤
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Stevie Turner said:
Thanks Debby.
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franklparker said:
So pleased to hear your good news. And this post reminds me I have to write a review for “For the Sake of a Child” which I thoroughly enjoyed. I thought the epilogue detracted from the rest though. Just MHO.
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Stevie Turner said:
Thanks Frank. I look forward to reading it!
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Stevie Turner said:
My friend had just died when I wrote it, and I wanted to put her into the story in some way. Sandra was her real name.
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jenanita01 said:
The good news definitely wins out. All else will happen eventually!
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fearlessinjesuschrist said:
Absolutely! Very good news!
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Becky Ross Michael said:
Wonderful news! The writing will come because you have plenty of time:)
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Stevie Turner said:
Yeah!
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Darlene said:
This is indeed great news!! And at least you got an answer from the production company which was personal and not a form letter. All is good. xo
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Clive said:
Glad to hear your good news. On balance, you got the right one, I think! Hope you have more luck with the book in future 😊
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Stevie Turner said:
Thanks Clive.
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davidprosser said:
Many Congratulations, I’m so pleased for you. Anther one that Cancer can’t have.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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Stevie Turner said:
Not yet anyway…
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davidprosser said:
Not at all I hope Stevie. It had my wife, that’s enough nice people.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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Stevie Turner said:
Ah, sorry to hear that, David. Cancer is sneaky – you never know where it’s going to strike next. It took my dad, two uncles, one aunt, and two grandparents.
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jwebster2 said:
Glad you had the good news that mattered 🙂
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Stevie Turner said:
Thanks Jim. Yes, good health comes before everything. Without it, we’re up faeces creek without a paddle…
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