HANDS THAT HEAL 🙏

For some weeks now, I have been pondering on the role and importance of 'health-care professionals' in our lives. Doctors, nurses and hospital staff in general - most of us pray and wish we will never need to associate with this group of people too often. Other than the fact that associating with them for too long, makes an extremely large hole in our pockets these days, most of us also often wish that our good health, will not require us to pay frequent visits to the 'sick room'.

Over the past year or so, I've had the opportunity of encountering and associating with a number of health-care professionals, at close quarters. Although, I would have liked life to have turned out differently; I've had experiences this year, when I've had to come face-to face with situations, where I couldn't have done without docs, nurses and the other hospital staff. 

I've spent time in 3-4 different hospitals and nursing homes, from very small ones to extremely large ones. I've also observed their day to day activities, from extremely close quarters. So, my observations here are based not on hearsay, but on practical experience.

Before I say any more, I'd first like to say, I really salute every single person, who willingly chooses to become a health-care professional. The simple reason for that is because I think it is truly a 'calling'. 

It's not like any other profession where you go to work, do your job and go back home every day. Instead, it's a profession that involves being on your toes, being alert, being ready to step in when required, being a person with a ready smile, even when you're not doing so well yourself, being level-headed, being concerned and also having a very strong presence of mind, literally 24/7. It's the one profession where even family,friends, enjoyment, special occasions,etc. come second to what needs to be done at a particular moment.

Now I know, there will be cynics and pessimists who would say, "With the amount they charge these days, they have to provide services accordingly". I have also heard people grumbling to glory, about doctors and nurses, and their insensitivity. 

I know that most of us associate hospitals with 'giant-size bills', and crib about the fact that most hospitals these days, follow the principle of 'Pay first - Services later'. A number of times, I myself, have been the first one to point out, these very same flaws in the system. 

However, my first hand observations, have led me to change a few of my initial, half-baked perceptions, which I now know were based on, me looking at the situation from the perspective of an 'outsider'. I find that I have now become less critical, of the way things function in a hospital, and very grateful to all those who work in this field, for offering themselves to be of service to the world at large.

Here are some of my observations: 

'So much money, for just a short consultation;and only a few minutes of the doc's time; or for just a passing 'doctor's visit' to the room, pre or post a surgery, when admitted in hospital'.

That's something most of us crib about. A Doc may charge between 500 and 700 rupees for a 10 minute consultation. Even if you check your hospital bills, the doctor's routine visits to the room, also feature on it sometimes, in bigger hospitals; and it's often, not a very small amount. 

It seems a tad too much: but I guess docs have their reasons, for charging the way they do. Have we ever tried asking one of them why they charge that much? Maybe a straightforward question, would give us a straightforward answer. 

For a moment though, if we keep that thought aside; and think about the doc himself. Have we ever stopped to think about, how many operations he has done, before coming to his clinic that morning? Do we know whether the patient he has just operated on, has survived or passed away? 🤔

We're quick to criticize him/her at the slightest offence, but do we know whether he/she has found the time or remembered to even eat his/her lunch? Sunday is a day of rest for most of us; but have we ever thought about how docs have to drop everything they are doing, and rush to save a life in an emergency situation, even on a Sunday or a holiday?

When it comes to nurses, criticism is always very high on the list. However, I find that most of them, do their jobs with a lot of sincerity and dedication. Considering that it is a job where they cannot afford to make any mistake whatsoever; and have to keep track of so many different patients at the same time, without any scope for error, I think they do their very best.

The shift system that they work in, is also one that invovles a lot of attention, because they have to ensure that they read the charts well, and do not repeat or forget to administer the medication to a particular patient, according to what the nurse in the previous shift has done.

If we think about how a patient is constantly monitored for 24 hours, despite the fact that there have been 2-3 nurses looking after them, as their shifts have changed, one can only admire the precision, with which they do they jobs. 

Most people notice their occasional lack of concern and a few harsh words, that they may say to us, and brand them as being 'useless' or 'horrible'. Those are the most common words I've heard people use, when talking about nurses; but on closer observation, one will realise how much they have to keep in mind and be aware of, at all times; due to which they may not always have the time, to exchange pleasantries and for sweet talk.

Occasional lapses and oversights may happen, but who doesn't make mistakes. It's true that a mistake in a hospital, could cost someone dearly; but I don't think we need to brand them as being 'incapable' because of that, because on the whole, I'm sure they do their jobs pretty well. 

It's very easy to comment about what doesn't happen, or what they don't do well, when we're on the outside; but spending a few days on the inside, makes you see the innumerable things that they do, and that they do pretty well, I must add. It makes you see things from their point of view.

Finally, when we talk about expenses, we always wonder, why it has to cost so much and why hospitals bother more about their money, than attending to the patient. 

I guess, my experiences in a number of hospitals this year, have also given me a sense of clarity, on why that needs to be the way it is. I was in a situation where an emergency I.C.U.admission would be done on a Sunday evening, only if a very large payment was made before hand. 

Obviously, in an emergency situation, the money which you may have in your bank account, isn't readily accessible; especially when it is an exceedingly large amount. In that situation, it was only natural to grumble, about the way things function, and giving the person on the counter a earful, about how hospitals have become totally commercialised these days, and do not bother about human beings.

In retrospect though, I've realised that just as we expect them to understand our situation, we also need to understand their plight. They need to run the hospital, and they can't run it if bills aren't paid. It wouldn't really be easy for them to keep track of, and run after the relatives of patients at a later stage; because in a big hospital, that isn't really practical. Collecting the admission amount at the time of admission therefore, is an absolute necessity; and I guess those of us who avail of hospital services, need to realise, that it's not a money-making racket, it's just 'procedure'. It's just a way of keeping things systematic.🤷🏻‍♀️

In this context, I'd also like to mention my encounter with a doctor, who owns a small nursing home, who didn't charge a penny, till about a week after we'd left his hospital, and got tranferred to a larger hospital, in an 'Emergency situation'. We didn't even receive a call, asking us to make the payment, till we ourselves went to clear the bill, about a week after my Dad passed away; which I thought was extremely considerate on their part.

I guess when it's a smaller hospital, there is scope for more understanding and trust, between doctor and patient; which practically speaking, is a little difficult in a larger hospital, with a larger number of patients.

I'd like to end by saying that 'Gratitude' is a very important virtue in life; and more so, when we are dealing with people, who help us stay fit and healthy. Whether one has had a speedy recovery, or an unpleasant stay in a hospital, I think that we need to always express a word of thanks, to all those who work in this profession, at every chance we get. 

I still remember the expressions on the faces of the docs in the I.C.U. when I said 'Thank-You' to them. They were probably stunned, that I remembered to thank them, in the midst of a tragic situation. They also probably found the use of the words 'Thank-You', slightly inappropriate in the given situation. 

However, I think it was necessary for me to say it to them at that moment, because I never met those docs again after that day, and if I hadn't thanked them then, I would never have had a chance to appreciate them, for all the effort they'd put in, to try and make things better. They were unsuccessful in that instance no doubt, but that doesn't mean, they didn't do the best that they could.

In conclusion then, I'd just like to express my heartfelt gratitude to 'health-care professionals' everywhere.I pray and ask God to bless these 'HANDS THAT HEAL' abundantly, so that they may always continue the good work that they do; and that they may receive grace and strength, to do what they do, with dedication, sincerity and above all 'HEART'.🙏❤️

DIARY OF A TEACHER IN DISTRESS ✍️

Have been wanting to post for a very long time; but couldn't think of what to write about. A couple of my students who are regular readers of this blog, keep coaxing me to post; but I've been buried under so much of work over the past few months, both at school and at home, that the thoughts just weren't putting themselves together. Everytime I thought I'd post, I reached a dead-end. What do I write about? Who do I write about? Nothing seemed interesting enough to put into words.

After a lot of deliberation, I finally decided to put down a few thoughts, on something that's been troubling me incessantly, over the past few months. This is going to sound more like me venting out, a lot of pent up feelings and emotions. Come to think of it, these feelings haven't really been pent up, because I've been voicing my displeasure, at every given opportunity, over the past few months. 

I never thought I'd say this, but the ones who've been the main cause of my anxiety, are actually 'My Students'. I know I've always referred to them as 'My reason to smile'; but sadly this year, I've had a series of experiences, which have been responsible for an almost complete disappearance, of that very characteristic smile, that I've always been known for. 

This may come as a rude shock, to many of my past-students; but I actually think I've been smiling a lot lesser this year, than ever before. Could go into 'Ripley's believe it or not', couldn't it?🤔

Have just been looking back on the last few months and trying to figure out, what has gone wrong this year. I'm into my 7th year as a teacher; and so far, it's always been a pleasure to go to work. The work-load, the pressure, the deadlines, the corrections - they are a real handful no doubt; but they never really bothered me so much, because in the midst of all that work, there were always a few little fellows around, with a ready smile, which made me forget that work was taking a toll on me.

The younger boys always looked up to me with wonder, as I tried to stimulate their minds and take them into imaginary worlds, that they hadn't been to before. 

To the older boys, I was like a big sis and a friend, with whom they could always share their thoughts and feelings. 

With the X Std students especially, I have always shared a very close bond every year. I've tried to be a confidant, a guide, a friend, a mentor, a role-model and so much more. 

All through these years, this arrangement seemed to work magically well. As a teacher, I always had so much to share; and my students were always open, to imbibe much more.

Then June'2010 dawned on us; and all of a sudden, everything that was magical and beautiful about this profession, that I love so much, just seemed to vanish completely. 

My colleagues and me, have encountered what we often refer to, as 'one of the toughest X Std batches ever'. They'd been a difficult set of guys in Class 9 itself; but things kind of spiralled out of control, once they stepped foot into Class 10.

Right from the very beginning, they seem to have had only one agenda. "It's our last year in school. So, let's have fun." If that so called 'good-time' comes at the cost of the teacher's distress, it didn't really matter. It seemed to be completely irrelevant to them. They chose to be totally oblivious to the fact; that we, their teachers, have been so troubled over the past few months, due to the way in which they've been conducting themselves, both in and out of the classroom.

...and that is one of the primary reasons for my distress this year. As hard as I try, I just can't seem to create the same 'Rapport' that I shared with my students, only a year ago. 

These students give me the impression, that no matter what I say, it doesn't really matter to them. My words are completely immaterial. My thoughts have no real significance, in their lives. I have so much that I want to share with them, but they just don't seem to care; not for the effort, not for the trouble taken for their sakes, not for the lost-smile (which would have been a major cause for concern, with any of my ex-students.) Nothing I say or do, seems to be worth their attention or time. I seem to have been reduced to a mere 'fly', buzzing around their heads for a few minutes every day, and they choose to just wave me away with a flick of their wrists.😔

As a result of this complete disregard for anything I say or do; in the past few months, I've gone through feelings of self-doubt, utter frustration, terrible dejection and a host of very negative emotions, which previously never came a-knocking at my door. I've tried every trick in the book to get them to realize, that I have something worthwhile to give them; but they invaribly reduce my hard-work, to a snigger or a guffaw, which can be terribly 'demoralizing'.

For a teacher, nothing can be worse than not being able to 'reach' her students. My hardest struggle this year, has been my inability to build up and create that same rapport, that I shared with students in all the years that have gone by. 

I wouldn't say that I'm disillusioned; but my belief in my ability as a teacher has definitely received a severe jolt this year. I know I haven't compromised on my teaching. I know I always give in more than my best. I know that I never go to class unprepared. Despite all that, I'm bordering on a gradual loss of optimism, which is a completely new world for me.😢

Maybe it's just this one batch, and in a few months, my ordeal will have ended; but in the months that remain, the road ahead seems uphill and the terrain extremely rocky.

I pray for strength to tide through the final few months of this journey. I pray that I may not be disillusioned by all that I have to deal with. I ask that my boys may be blest with wisdom, to know that there's a time and place for everything. I pray for courage to keep going despite the pitfalls. ✍️

WHEN EDUCATION BECOMES A JOKE 🤔

Just a few days ago, the S.S.C. results were declared. The initial reaction was obvious - Jubilation and a tremendous sense of joy, because almost everyone seemed to have scored marks, way beyond their expectations. The cases of disappointment were probably one in a million. In those moments of exhilaration, I also joined in the celebrations and stuffed myself with all the 'pedas', that were free-flowing this year.

It didn't take me very long though, to sit back and evaluate the situation. Within a few hours, I realised that this joy, wasn't limited to just my school. It was a common feeling in every school across the city, and probably the State as well.

The newspapers the next day, provided the statistics of doom, that were a complete shocker. A 2% improvement in the pass percentage. 

Why would anyone frown upon that? Only a cynic or someone out of their mind, would find anything wrong with what had happened. Believing that they'd worked wonders, the authorities were probably sitting back and relaxing, thinking they'd achieved something significant; because there were no cases of suicide reported, the helplines were unusually silent and almost everyone seemed to be over the moon with happiness.

The reality however, will soon dawn on all those who're at the receiving end of those unbelievable marks, namely the students. Their untainted joy will soon bear the blemish of uncertainty. 

I really feel for my students who think they've done so well, and achieved a real milestone. The State says there are enough seats and more in colleges, and no one will be left stranded. Of course, anyone with the ability to use rational thinking and logical reasoning would be able to reach the conclusion, that securing a seat in a "good" college, will be next to impossible, even for those thousands in the city, who've scored above 90% marks. They will have to settle for a seat in a mediocre college, which does not offer the best facilities and without the best faculty, despite the fact that they have the marks and deserve to be there.

The Department of Education probably thinks, that they've worked a miracle; but the reality of this debacle, will soon raise its ugly head and be there for all to see.

There is some light at the end of this dark tunnel though; and that is the Judiciary of this country. If they use their discretion and judge wisely, the foolishness that has been displayed in the declaration of these results and in the use of the 'Best 5' system, can be turned on it's head, and some kind of normalcy could return to this utterly chaotic and crazy situation.

One of my ex-students told me something in a casual conversation, a couple of days ago. He said, "Miss, shouldn't the Board be improving the system of Education and Exams, and bringing that on par with the other Boards, instead of just blindly doling out marks." 

I couldn't agree with him more. There are probably a number of ways, in which the different Boards could be brought on par with one another, to make sure that there are no differences, when it comes to admissions, and so that no one lags behind; but this system is definitely not the right way to do it.

As a facilitator of Education and a part of the system myself, this is just my two pence on the issue. I wonder if my point of view would have many takers in the Education Department though!!! 🤔

PROCRASTINATION : A COMPULSIVE HABIT ✍️

For a long time now, I've been meaning to update my blog. I mean it has been almost 3 months, since my last post; but despite having loads of free time at my disposal, I've kept saying, "I'll do it later". Somehow, over a period of time, I've got habituated to saying this. In the process, it has kind of become something, that I can't rid myself of. 

What makes matters worse, is that this habit of procrastinating and putting things off for later, has got so engrained in my system, that now I don't even think twice about it. This is probably one of the worst habits I've developed in my life; and one that I'm not very proud of.🤷🏻‍♀️

'Do not put off until tomorrow what can be done today'. 'Kaal kare so aaj kar, Aaj kare so ab'. 

I guess every language would have a whole list of proverbial sayings, that urge us not to procrastinate and put off things, which we must do now, for a later date. These are things we hear time and again from our parents and teachers, as we're growing up. How often we really follow these principles in our daily lives, is another matter completely.🤔

There's one thing that I've noticed in my own life. Very often, when I put things off for later, the job never gets done at all. Sometimes, it remains pending for so long, that after a period of time, I completely forget about it, and it just stays there - a job half-done, unfinished, incomplete. 

If the task remaining incomplete, doesn't really have major repurcussions on my work or isn't that important, it just remains in that state of 'partial completion' for a long, long time, which obviously provokes sharp criticism and censure from my mother, who constantly tries to keep this compulsive habit of mine in check.👵

I guess, landing up in situations like that occasionally, is not that much of a problem. I mean in the fast paced world that we live in, with all the deadlines and stress that goes along with it, there are bound to be things which are of secondary importance, which get relegated to last place, when we are chalking out our schedules. 

There would obviously not be sufficient time to complete seemingly inconsequential little tasks, and in the process, a few things would most certainly remain pending. A result of procrastination, yes; but it's something that we almost always conveniently attribute to the fact, that we were too busy; and then, rationalize things by saying, that it wasn't that important anyway.😉

When the things we put off for later, aren't that inconsequential though, that's when it gives us 'a wake-up call'.😔

Recently, I went through an experience, which made me sit up and evaluate my actions. A good friend of mine from college, had been sick and in hospital, for almost 6 months. I'd known of his illness and the seriousness of his condition, for almost 4 or 5 months. 

Each time, I thought of him, I kept telling myself, "I have to make the time to go and see him in hospital", and every time, there was always a reason, to postpone my visit. School work, corrections, other engagements; and the list of reasons went on. The desire to meet him was always there; but somehow there was no cure for my habit, to put things off for later.

Last week, he finally had a heart attack and passed away. A lively, chirpy life that had only seen 28 summers, came to a sudden end. 

On the morning of the day that he passed away, I asked myself one more time. "I still haven't gone to see him. I should go some time this week. I'm free from work now. This is the best time to go." Unfortunately, the best time to go never came, because later that afternoon, he passed away.😢

A couple of days later, I finally made it to see him. Unfortunately, all I got to see of him, was his lifeless body lying in a coffin, at his funeral. This wasn't the way, I had intended to see him. I didn't get a chance to hear his voice, or to see his bright smile. I missed out on the opportunity of talking to him; and letting him know, that I was praying for him to get better. 

I realised on that day, that sometimes postponing and deferring things for later; can put you in a situation where you miss out on things that are really, really important.

Of course, like every 'bad habit' that we develop in life, there's only one way to do away with it. Throw off that lethargy and just get down to business. Instead of saying, "I'll get to it when I find the time"; I guess, the easiest way to break this compulsive habit would be to just start doing the task at hand, right then and there. 

Of course, this is easier said than done. Breaking a bad habit is one of the toughest tasks, that human beings ever have to deal with. 

Now, if only I could instill that 'will power and determination' in myself, and begin every task, with the intention of going through with it, till it's done; and with no commas and semi-colons along the way, I think I would be a more organised individual, and my mother would definitely be a happier person. ✍️

THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR 😊💕

Just about a week ago, I experienced something that I'd never been through before. The sudden disappearance of a very close friend, completely took me by surprise. During the period when desperate attempts were being made to locate him, a whole gamut of emotions were playing havoc with my mind and heart. 

Along with the anxiety, there was the fear of the unknown. There was a tremendous sense of loss, there were feelings of uncertainty, and an overpowering sense of pain. His family and friends kept fearing the worst, but hoping for the best. The lack of definite bad news, constantly gave us hope, that there might be good news in store.

Three days later, his family managed to zero in on his location; and he was brought home. The fact that he was alive and well, was like music to our ears, because we had been longing for some news about his whereabouts for so long. 

The endless waiting during those three days, had been excruciating. I am only a friend, and I found it so difficult to bear the fact that he couldn't be traced. When I think of what his family must have experienced during those moments, it really makes me shudder.😔

When we finally received news that he had been found, I was completely overjoyed. Just the news that he was okay, made me feel like a huge weight was lifted off my heart.

It's been a week now, but I still haven't been able to meet this friend of mine; as he's still recovering from the experience. The joy in my heart though, just knowing that he's well, is indescribable. 

When I think about it, I just begin to wonder, at how some people become our friends sometimes. Till about 6 years ago, I didn't even know, that this person existed on the planet. We haven't been friends for very long; and yet, when he couldn't be found for those three days, I was so troubled. My mind was pre-occupied with thoughts of him, and I couldn't rest in peace, till he had finally been found. I realised, that friendships develop just like that.

Sometimes, in the shortest span of time, a person becomes really dear to you, and the reasons for this are inexplicable. 

In this short time that we've known one another, we've had some fun times, singing together in our choir and at our various outings and parties. We've shared a lot of laughs together, and sung a lot of songs as well. We've listened to endless stories of old times in Calcutta; and about his immense and deep love for music. We've been amazed, watching how talented he is in music; and we've been so proud, to call a little genious like him, our friend. Through every single one of these experiences, we've also grown as friends and our friendship has become special, with every passing day.

Of course, one underlying and deeply painful thought that this incident brings to mind, is the fact that so often, we know so little, about what our closest friends are actually going through in life. At so many times, we may have a faint inkling, that things aren't going too well, with a particular friend; but we can never fully fathom the depth of feelings, that are stirring up inside the minds of our friends, unless they open up a little, and share their life with us. 

An experience like this, made me wish I'd spoken or called more often, or that I'd been more of a friend; but then again, I wonder how much I would have really discovered, even if I had been around for my friend. After all, I would have known, only as much as my friend wanted me to know about his life.

All of us have things, that we don't talk about with everyone. Sometimes, we don't even share certain things, with our closest friends. In moments of crisis, our friends are always there to support us; and yet, we don't always reveal the deepest sentiments of our heart, to them.

Why is it that we human beings, prefer to keep things to ourselves so often? Even though we know that sorrow can be reduced greatly, when shared with a friend; why is it, that we prefer to bottle up our emotions? So many moments of depression and temporary loss of sanity, can be easily avoided, if we only find a friend we can talk to about our problems. Despite the fact that we know these things, why do we still try to be brave and face our problems on our own?🤔

I don't know what my friend was actually going through. I don't know whether I could have really been of any assistance, even if I did know. What I do know though is that henceforth, I'm going to try and be a better friend. I know that as a friend I will always be around a little more. I'm going to try and lend a listening ear, if there's ever a need for it...Maybe my friend may still not pour out his heart to me; but I'm going to make sure that I'm there, cause in the whole scheme of things, that's exactly what friends are for.💕

Thank You Lord for bringing my friend home safe and sound and for protecting him from every harm and danger. I pray that he may recover emotionally and psychologically, from this experience, as soon as possible; and that he may get back to being his bubbly little self once again, as soon as possible. Bless him abundantly in every possible way, and may he always know that he has a large number of friends, who love him very dearly and who want nothing more, than to see him happy.😊

WHAT IS THIS LIFE, SO FULL OF CARE? ✍️

How often have you heard the words, "I'm completely stressed out?" Much too often these days, don't you think? Almost every person we know, seems to be undergoing some kind of stressful situation or another. For a lot of people, the pressure at work seems to be a primary cause of stress, for others, tensions within the family and relationships seem to be a cause of concern. For still others, health related problems seem to be weighing them down completely. All in all, the fast paced over-competitive world we live in, seems to be taking it's toll on every single one of us; and we are definitely paying the price, for trying to fit in.

Those of you, who frequent this part of cyberspace occasionally, would have noticed my absence for a while. The reasons why I suddenly seem to have vanished, could be aptly described by saying, that I too have been completely stressed out and am one of the latest victims of this dreaded modern phenomenon. 

I tried really hard, not to allow the pressures of life to get to me; but like it happens so often, 'the spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak'.

Although I was trying my utmost, to let life get back on track, after an unexpected and fairly sudden loss of a loved one; I kept receiving reminders, that we can't just get on with life, without taking the time to rest and recover.

What I've realised in the process, is that so often we over-estimate the capacity of our body, to withstand an avalanche of successive stressful events, in our lives. We think we are capable of facing anything and everything, no matter how grave and severe it may be. In reality however, physically, we may not be as strong as we think we are.

My experiences over the past month or so, have shown me how important rest and relaxation really are, in this fast-paced world we live in. When we choose to disregard the warning signs our body gives us, it manifests itself in so many unimaginable ways. 

The most obvious beneficiaries in this entire situation though, are the doctors, who are ensured a steady flow of stressed out individuals, thanks to the fast-paced world we live in. Ironically, the large amounts of money that one has to shell out, to cover medical expenses these days, is also a significant cause of stress. So strangely, the stress-buster, has partially ended up becoming the generator of stress as well.

For me personally, stress was a result of deep personal loss, a tremendous amount of anxiety, cartloads of never-ending work and an underlying sense of worry, at not being able to fathom, why so many things were going wrong at one and the same time. 

What added to it was the fact, that one thing led to another, without any breathing space in between. Before I could recover from one thing, the second situation was already upon me in a flash, which undoubtedly aggravated an already delicate situation.

A lot of people consider stress, to be a pre-requisite and a necessity, to ensure that one performs to his optimum capacity; because it constantly keeps a person on his toes and doesn't leave any room, for slackness of any kind to seep in. Then again, when it begins to tell on your health, it should definitely act as a wake up call; because that's our body telling us that it has had enough, and we need to slow down, before there is a complete physical or emotional breakdown.

I'm glad I was able to recognise these warning signs at the right time, and act accordingly. With timely medical help and a reasonable amount of rest, I gradually seem to be getting back to normal. I just hope and pray that such health breakdowns do not happen too often, because it sure does affect one's ability to give one's best in every sphere of life. Not to mention, the continuous upheaval of emotions, that completely wreck havoc on one's day to day functioning. 

Truthfully, visiting doctors on a regular basis is not one of my favourite things; but much against my will, I've had to pay a visit to them quite frequently of late. I pray that the 'Doc of all Docs', will finally take hold of the reins of my life, so that things will gradually get back on track; and I can look forward to a better and brighter 2010, in the months ahead. ✍️