Crossroad Choices: Protective Aggression or Dignified Vulnerability

This morning, I read words from the prophet Jeremiah: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls…’ Nine miles away, St Michaels Church, Beccles, has a fine 16th-century bell tower. Yesterday I learnt thatContinue reading “Crossroad Choices: Protective Aggression or Dignified Vulnerability”

Being Misunderstood

Last night on our local BBC news I learnt about Grace Cope, a nineteen-year-old girl from Bedford who was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome in 2021. For the past three years, whilst campaigning to reduce the stigma around her neurological condition, her own tics worsened, preventing her taking her A-levels, and forcing her to leave herContinue reading “Being Misunderstood”

Looking Forward, with Patty, Kenny, Debbie and Henri

Yesterday… …I visited Patty. Patty’s having a grand clear out. What was ‘useful’ in the past is now rubbish. Much has already been turned out and been dumped at the recycling centre. I helped remove wood from a shed. Patty’s being pretty ruthless… …At Men’s Shed Kenny said, ‘If you ruled the world and couldContinue reading “Looking Forward, with Patty, Kenny, Debbie and Henri”

Presenting an Alternative

Eighty-two-year-old Jimmy was an active teacher, involved in his local community. Now he’s virtually blind; frequently he’s confused and angry. Friends are concerned about Jimmy, and his wife who bears the brunt of Jimmy’s frustrations.   Yesterday afternoon I met Jimmy. I reminded Jimmy of good things he’d done in the past, people he’d workedContinue reading “Presenting an Alternative”

Preparing for our Tomorrows

Yesterday… …There were preparations for the ‘First Light Festival’, to be held on the beach this weekend. Art works are being installed, marquees and stages erected, the programme of music and workshops, planned over the past year, will finally come together. …At our Men’s Shed some of the gents are preparing a float for theContinue reading “Preparing for our Tomorrows”

Facing My Waterloo

Dan Snow reminds me that today is the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. On 18th June 1815 the Duke of Wellington’s weak and ill-equipped army of British, German, Dutch and Flemish soldiers faced Napoleon Bonaparte’s mighty French army at Waterloo, a few miles south of Brussels. Despite repeated assaults from the French infantry, cavalryContinue reading “Facing My Waterloo”