All is now in abeyance.  But until the day was complete there was ample reason for reluctance. Let me explain.

The leaves, grass and flowers are not the only organisms flourishing in the springtime. The improvement of the weather from its former frigid dimension to a more adaptable expression has collaterally stimulated other indicia of daily living in the country. This morning, for example, not long after I awakened and then savoured a delightful protein and fibrous breakfast (including the lip smacking teaser of palm tree dates) I pushed off around the neighbourhood on my trusty (and, so I was later told, my dusty) tricycle. The object of my journey was twofold: one, an old fogey’s interpretation of athleticism (today – should you care to know – an impressive 4.95 Km and Avg. Speed 6.9 Km/h); and, two, the irrefragable advantage of sunshine and fresh air.

To be clear I hadn’t anticipated extraordinary fulfillment of my modest scheme. But I ended up being surprisingly appreciative of how things evolved.  To begin at the first with the last, allow me to report that as early as five o’clock this morning – whilst yet retreating beneath the down duvet – I contemplated with a measurable hint of anxiety (peculiar to those night-time prevarications) the sequel to my recent drama surrounding a new blood pressure monitor and the results thereof.

Several days ago I had – with some bureaucratic difficulty through the hospital network – arranged to “message” to my new family physician Dr. Kayode Bamigbola MD the 7-day MediLink blood pressure measurements which he had requested upon our initial conference. My foremost anxiety arose from uncertainty regarding the delivery of the message to Dr. Bamigbola. Then I contemplated contacting the hospital once again, first to ensure delivery of the message, next to inquire what if anything arose from the blood pressure readings.

My hysterics proved to be unfounded.  Serendipitously as I sat intransigently in my automobile at Starbucks coffee emporium in Bells Corners following the first round of my afternoon drive, a telephone call from the hospital alerted me to a prescription for my over-the-top blood pressure and a requisition for a blood test reading to be taken 2-weeks subsequently. It is fortunate that I was not driving at the time because if it had been I should not have been able to make note of the information which included the arrangement of a follow-up appointment one month hence for the physician to review the supplementary information.

This complication (if I may be permitted the privilege to say so) was not however the only feature which attracted the disturbance of my otherwise halcyon quiddity. By chance earlier this morning during my tricycle adventure, I encountered His Lordship Kenneth H fulfilling his daily constitutional; that is, walking his two small dogs. It is characteristic of the country gentleman when walking about to devote time to conversation with those whom he should meet along the way – notwithstanding that the fragment of parley is normally constrained by the limits of one’s health and the weather.

I view it as a mark of the depth of our long-term relationship, that His Lordship and I quickly streamed our conversation from platitude to fact. Familiarity, friendship and acquaintance are in my belief critical elements of a meaningful confab. It takes time for people fully to digest even fact.  But once the gates are opened, the adherence is unmistakable. Candid, for one. Enlightening, for another. Without intention to do so, the meaningful conversation involves the exchange of personal information.  In this instance, we dwelt upon the sensitive subject of youth. Youth – we both agreed – is bewildering. I shan’t give further particulars of the accusation except to observe that I distinctly recall my own father having said the same thing.  And, now that I think on it, I believe he once said the same thing about me!

Naturally this is no confession. But, dear Reader, it has I hope enabled you to see the unwitting pleasure to be derived from such clouded affirmation. Old age does that; accusation abounds. Directing ourselves more acutely, we subsequently nodded upon the casual utterances devoted to our pending expiry. Please note that I have not said, “impending expiry”. Pending, I believe, implies awaiting an outcome; while the other means imminent or about to happen. Impending also carries the connotation of something negative or threatening. Once again, I shan’t burden you, dear Reader, with nonsense or deceit. It is sufficient to observe – as I happily did today – that the accommodation of life’s perils does not signify either ruin or destiny. And, if you will allow me to enlarge upon that generality, life in the country is a blend of numerous threads, the vision of which is sometimes delayed or camouflaged by pending resolution.

Post Scriptum:

Karen Hirst —thanks for taking time today to listen!

We know each other thru our stories.

In stories shared we recognize a commonality of sorrow, fears, worries, regrets, loneliness and suffering. As well, in moments of happiness, joy, celebration and achievement we recognize a belonging, a binding connection thru this communal journey called life.

We are much more the same than different from each other.

Whether face to face over a cup of coffee, in shared correspondence or between the covers of a book stories reveal us to ourselves thru lives lived by others.

We grow in awareness, insight, understanding, empathy and compassion for each other. We garner strength and courage to face challenges and manage the obstacles common to many … We learn how others have walked the walk, only to rise up from the ashes.

In places across the globe, in circumstances unimaginable to our experience we hope and pray that in the hands of caring, moral leadership the horror of those lives will be lifted once and for all.

Consider that it is by chance of our birth that we sit helplessly viewing their unfolding struggles from afar!

On this day of May 8, 2026, bring your stories home to share at day’s end …they matter and so do you.