Tower Of Babel

Bwoy, I got up at 6:20 this morning. I suppose when pressure of work is off a man mind, sleep does not have to be long eh? Same thing happened while I was abroad. I was turning in (or more like conking out) at about midnight and later, but was up again most mornings by six or so. Now, one of the things travelling has made me appreciate is my own bed. When I’m away or spending time at other people’s home, I will fall asleep and sleep soundly for a few hours, but somewhere at about 4AM, I frequently awaken and have difficulty falling off to sleep again. So, TV, a book or magazine are frequently required to help me back to slumber. Of course, if I were at a location with a net connection, a blog post may well have resulted.

This morning, I was awakened by a sound I haven’t heard in a while. “Ratatatatat Ratatatatat…………” No, it was not the sound of gunfire…..we have a Jamaican Woodpecker that feeds in our breadfruit tree and it seems that he’s back. They are quite attractive, red head, with black and white feathers on the back and wings and a white underthroat. Yes, it is good to be home.

I mentioned gunfire…..see the Gleaner and Observer stories about Andem here. The bwoy look so young. How could someone get so corrupted at such a young age? Environment I guess? And you notice dat him wearing a cross in the Observer picture? Anyway, I hope they act swiftly wid him…..I wouldn’t put it past him fe try escape.

This morning at 11 I’m attending a funeral service for the Father of a yute I went to school with. He was here from abroad last month and I had taken him out on the town for a few VXs when he came to see his Pops who was succumbing to the Big C. Really, I was just trying to offer hm a likkle diversion from the stress of his Dad’s illness. Having been there with my owna family, I know how frig up it feel. While I was away, I got e-mail saying that he had passed. So, I’m going to pay my respects. I doubt I’ll attend the graveside though.

Recently, my Jamaican blog sistren Yamfoot (who is most likely preparing for another day of cricket) made an entry entitled “Six months.” Essentially, someone she knows has been given six months to live by doctors. That is something I don’t like to have to do, and thankfully, as I deal primarily with disorders of the skin, it is not often that I need to make such judgements.

Why I’m mentioning this is that Yammie asked how I’d spend the time if I were given six months, and if I’d want to be told that the end was near. In thinking about it, I would start by saying it is always difficult to put oneself in such a situation. Probably human nature is such that we tend not to like to have to consider ourselves in adverse situations….life too sweet man. We would happily answer the question….”What would you do if you won the Lotto?” because it puts you in a situation of good fortune.

So, would I like to know that my time was approaching? I think yes if, God forbid, I develop a terminal illness. However, if I could be told by someone who could look forward in time and predict when I would leave this life and under what circumstances, I would probably not want to know. Leave that to the Man above. I hope I don’t seem to be contradicting myself.

What would I do if I were told I had six months left? I’d try to make my way straight with God in the hope that I would be considered worthy enough for the gift of life everlasting. I would want all my family and close friends to see me, regularly, and do the things in life that bring me pleasure and happiness.

Now, as one who has had close family pass away, it is difficult for those visiting. People do break down when they get to the realization that time is of the essence for the loved one. One thing though. I have come to notice that the person who is dying seems to develop an inner strength. As much as we would wish for them to get better or hold on for longer, they seem to want to go, as if being called to a better place. This I have seen with relatives, close friends and my own patients. This is one of the things that has made me believe that man hasn’t got all the answers and control. Someone else does.

Anyhow, I don’t wish to depress any of you. I just was thinking while having early morning tea. I’ll say some prayers for all who pass here at the service later. What have you all got to add to what I’ve typed here? Have a good weekend and keep passing by.

This entry was posted on Saturday, June 5th, 2004 at 8:49 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.