Going Gently is seriously going off the boil ( some would say it never reached 100 degrees anyhow) all I seem to do recently is to kvetch about being suddenly single at the ripe old age of 56 or describe another vets trip with another sick animal.
I'm boring the tits off myself so bugger alone knows how you lot, dear readers are feeling.
So what little gem is the old fart going to share with us today? I hear you ask?
More whinging ? Another sorry tale of poor Mary's ear? ( btw we've been back to the vets this morning for more antibiotics and painkillers) more self indulgent emotional romps about feelings?
No dearhearts, I shall tell you a quick story about a young man in his early twenties from a rough part of town.
Last night I started to mentor a new Samaritan trainee who I will call Danny
Danny was keen and respectful and made his own notes as he listened to the callers' interactions with me. At one moment after we had discussed a particularly difficult call, we had a break and discussed when he would be free to complete his next shift.
Danny told me he had to juggle a few commitments but could do the shift I suggested. He explained that he held down two jobs as well as coping with a new baby at home but felt is important to continue his training.
With all of the bad press of just how young people of today behave here was a lad barely out of his teens who is going out of his way to do something worthwhile
As he explained
"You've just got to give something back in life"
Gypsophila and Mary's painkiller syringe
Good for him. Busy people always find time!
ReplyDeleteYou are right to emphasise the kind and generous character of a young man. Yes, never judge someone just for their age - we are all a mixed lot and kindness often comes when you least expect it.
ReplyDeleteNot sure you will want to hear this, but my experience with the Samaritans was absolutely awful and truly made me feel so much worse. I suppose that’s it really; there are those who are skilful and dedicated in their volunteering and others who may be doing it for some sort of ego boost. It’s a lottery...
Yes I agree...I have had experience of practice that wasn't up to scratch....it happens ....just like I have seen poor nursing, and the like. It shouldn't happen and the mentoring system and training is so much more robust than it once was, so I am hopeful that inappropriate Sam volunteers are much more rare than they once were.
DeleteEach person who volunteers or works in public interest work, has a reason, there is something that feeds that persons need to do this. For some it is personal, others are seeking validation, some truly want to make a difference in the lives of others,
ReplyDeleteAgreed and I think it's important for every one that does so has some self awareness of their own motivations
DeleteThat is impressive. I wonder how he learned that or if it's something that has always been inside him? Many people never get to that realization.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, both human and pet struggles are as worthy of posting as any other kind of post, in my opinion. I hope Mary's ear responds to the additional antibiotics, poor sweet girl.
The vet thinks she is suffering from dizziness that's why she's quieter
DeleteThere is hope for our future in that kind and generous young man. Not all young people are selfish and self-centered. It's up to us "oldies" to encourage them and validate them!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd you are NOT boring the tits off of me, love ALL that you write. At times, any of us would have "boring" lives, and other times, skipping the light fantastic. It's all Life, and we love that you share yours with us. Hugs.
Well I'm. Boring myself
DeleteAlways refreshing to read stories like this John. I am sure there are thousands of young people out there doing a good job - but we never hear about them any more than we head of people like you.
ReplyDeleteJohn - you also give every day of your life unstintingly and willingly. To find a younger person willing to go the extra mile is wonderful. He is obviously a very special young man and will go far. Life is sh... at times but there is a saying when life gives you lemons make lemonade. You don't have to give in (not that I think you do anyway) just sometimes things get to you and you need to find your own way out of the tunnel. Lets give things a twist, you sharing issues may in fact help someone out there speak about things - something that they may not do naturally and begin to open up and get the monkey off their back and start to heal themselves. You may never know it but you speaking freely might just be the best thing that has happened to them that day. Although we have never met you strike me as a loving, caring gentleman who gives more to others than to himself. Your much loved animals are part of the equation. And if you are having a moan friends listen. Sometimes its good for others to be able to give too its how we learn. We each need to know both sides, the taking and the giving. On a personal level life is having a major clear out for you at the moment but that to me means that there is something pretty special waiting in the wings for you a very special person. It will sort it is just the emotional side the grieving and letting it out is the best way forward but when it overwhelms its like something invading your persona. I can relate. Remember "Friends" even Internet ones listen. And you are not boring the pants off everyone you are just having a hiccup!. Take care Pattypan xx
ReplyDeleteWell said Patricia
DeleteXx
DeleteYou can always give up the blog for a while if you want to. It's your life.
ReplyDeleteIndeed I can Rachel
DeleteTHAT is a thoughtful young man. his parents raised him well.
ReplyDeletehave you seen auntie glad lately? what about some of the other village folk we have come to know?
I'll post about them tomorrow...
DeleteYou are NEVER boring.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few people who would disagree
DeleteJohn, your posts are never boring, you just share your life with all its ups and downs, with us.
ReplyDeleteWith two jobs and a new baby plus volunteering at Samaritans, this young man might be wearing himself too thin. That is quite a schedule to keep up. Bless him and bless you. Empathy for others, two and four legged, is a beautiful thing to see and read about.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteI'll keep an eye on him...I've already told him I think one shift may be too much
DeleteHere in blog land we are real people, we love your funny witty post. We feel your pain in your low post and we read your 'whinging' post. We support each other and will stay with you. Hoping you find your happiness path, so please keep posting. As for yoof, so pleased to read this post, none of us are getting younger and yoof one day will be looking after us.
ReplyDeleteI found him an inspiration
DeleteAs others have said, you and your gang are never boring. There are more good people than bad, kudos to that young man. I can't think of a better mentor for him than you. All the best,John.
ReplyDeleteAnd I keep thinking why isn't one job enough.
DeletePerhaps they are saving
DeleteI meant so many younger people all have to work several jobs, juggling shorter hours and more precarious work.
DeleteLove you just as you are, kisses to Mary and you! Jan Butcherx
ReplyDeleteShe's on my need presently......I've kissed her for you
DeleteI'm pretty sure, John, that your readers are not here for exciting stories, though this was a lovely one. We are rooting for you through the highs and lows. xo
ReplyDeleteThey are not getting any
DeleteI don't find you boring at all.
ReplyDeleteAnd just when you think the next generation is going off the deep end along comes a 'Danny.'
Yes my sentiments too bob
DeleteYou never " bore the tits off me ", ca did that...your an important part of my daily do....please reconsider your going...it would darken my mornings.
ReplyDeleteI'm not going anywhere
DeleteA shame to only hear about the bad press that some youth generate. 'Danny' is one of many, I feel. Good to hear.
ReplyDeleteWe LOVE the way you' bore the tits off us', John!! Keep up the good work.
Love ya jimbo
DeleteNo one would ever be here every day if we thought you were boring! I'm very much interested in what goes on in your space on this planet. That last sentence brought tears. You know when you're in the right place doing what we were all meant to do - help your neighbors and love them as yourself. You've just found a younger example - God bless you both!!
ReplyDeleteI feel I must pass this on to all the dog lovers here. This took place in your country so you may all know about it, but just in case - the danger to dogs of xylitol -
https://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2018/10/26/killed-by-xylitol-remembering-ruby/?fbclid=IwAR1RyWt15Z1TR3d9bgIZiCKC5HzkfMZzn2A3PEBEqoQg80saTtD1CwZEqV0
Forgive me for bringing gloom into a really happy post! There are other dangers to dogs, too, such as grapes and raisins - we need to be aware. You can delete this, John!
Sobering , her face in that last photo broke my heart
DeleteHere's another one who's never EVER bored with your posts, JayGee, and I'm pretty certain there are probably hundreds more. So please dismiss that thought.
ReplyDeleteRaymondo.....same could be said of your film reviews
DeleteAsk a busy person if you want something done-still true and it’s heartwarming that a young man wants to help make a difference.
ReplyDeleteKvetching about kvetching. How novel.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing wrong with kvetching when it lightens the load, if only momentarily. I doubt the folk who read your blogs mind what you write because whilst they read they are transported away from the "squalor of the real world".
I am a newbie and not yet bored, but if that time comes I will let you know with sadness. I feel you are far too interesting for that to happen.
Touché
DeleteWhat kind of followers would we be, if we told you to bugger off now. You have given so much in your blog - time to take some back...
ReplyDeleteBugger off? I'm an internet sensation
DeleteYou're not boring atall.
ReplyDeleteYou give and keep on giving.
Well done you and that young man. The busy make time...
In my Blogville neighborhood it's real simple, "when you write it, I'll read it." Thank you, John, for sharing your stories with me. xox
ReplyDeleteP.S. I wish Danny well. He gives me hope for the future.
Hats off to "Danny" - we need more young people who think and feel as he does! Thank you for all YOU do.
ReplyDeleteAs for you becoming boring? Never going to happen dear John. Keep us thinking, wondering and giggling please.
Mary -
P.S. X and a treat from across the pond to your sweet Mary.
Good for Danny and good for you to take your time, effort, and caring to be available for others in their time of need.
ReplyDeleteDon't fret about blog post content. Sometimes life is just so daily and artist Mary Engelbreit drew a picture with just that saying on it. We're with you!
Hugs!
I'm not fretting...just thinking
DeleteKvetch away, it’s life and I/we care...
ReplyDeleteI'm a kvetch queen
DeleteTry saying that when your pissed
John you are never boring. You make me happy, sad or interested in your world.
ReplyDeleteNow that I am only posting one day a week or two if I am lucky it is about my herd of gud dugs or a few times a year how illegal immigration is/has affected life in a border city.
I am very interested in the daily life of your part of the world.
cheers, parsnip and badger
Cheers g
DeleteYour blog is one of my favourite places, because you and it are so very real. Not boring, but with the everyday upsets and trials and good times all mingled together, that is life. I love reading about you, the villagers and your furry family and I'm looking forward to things looking up for you very soon xx
ReplyDeleteCheers debs
DeleteI am never bored with your reports and I must say I found your closing photograph entitled 'Gypsophilia and Mary's painkiller syringe' very lovely. One of your finest works!
ReplyDeleteI never noticed the syringe when I took it
DeleteYou never need to worry about being boring, just look how many readers and comments you get. It is refreshing to hear the bad as well as the good as it happens to all of us. We can't be cheerful all the time. I have a blog about my chickens, now that can be considered boring. I too have a band of loyal followers albeit it a small one. Every one has their place. It is also good to hear of youngsters that want to give rather than just take. That young man will go far. Life will get better for you given time. You are too lovely to be single for too long.
ReplyDeleteMine used to be a chicken blog with geese thrown in
DeleteWell John, at least you are not like the lot l know on instagram
ReplyDeleteBrand New car this, Holiday that, exotic meals out, clothes and expensive trips everywhere, brag brag blah blah.....
Give me somebody kind and grounded
Somebody like....YOU JOHN.
Never boring, always truthful
Tess x
I'm skint that's why I don't brag
DeletePlease don't think about not blogging. You are a friend and we would all worry about you if we didn't hear from you. (am I making you feel guilty yet?)
ReplyDeleteYou can't get on my tits, I only have one. so no worries there.
I never said I'd Not blog..... I'm far too self absorbed
DeleteYou are never boring. Beautiful flowers and beautiful people, you and the young samaritan.
ReplyDeleteOh I am ....but the flowers are quite sweet
DeleteYou do not bore and please don't think kvetching is a bad thing when shit happens. I relate to your situation as had happened to me many years ago. I did not cope nearly as well as you but did come through and am here cheering for you. Wonderful to hear about the generous young man you are mentoring and I do need updates on dear Mary.
ReplyDeleteSome days are more exciting than others but each day is special in it's own way just looking at your lovely flowers makes you feel happy to be alive, I like your blog because it's about the ups and sometimes down times in life which each one of us goes through, the fact that you share yours online makes us feel more human when we go through similar emotions. I feel happy when your happy and sad when you are but more than that I'm always rooting for you to come out on top and putting pen to paper can be therapy as well.
ReplyDeleteGive Mary a cuddle wishing you all the best.
I have read a tiny bit about men becoming absent when a baby comes along and while I don't want to be the wet blanket I do wonder about his sense of timing....
ReplyDeleteThere are more self indulgent things to do me thinks
DeleteNever are you boring John . . ,
ReplyDeleteI look for you first off . . . each day.
Give Mary a love from me.
Can’t imagine how she is coping if she is dizzy.
Poor dear!
Please don't leave us. I have been taking care of my old mother for 6 years now and not in a position to get out and about much, and your posts are a little ray of sunshine in my life. I hope this doesn't creep you out but I feel like I know you and your pups and love hearing about your life. I smile at your happy posts and shed a tear or two when hearing of your difficulties. Also, I was married to a gay man who died of AIDS in 1995 and sometimes your expressions and descriptions often remind me of my life with him (most of them make me chuckle). Please don't feel you have to respond. I realize you have many many followers who actually love and care about you.
ReplyDeletePlease be happy, whatever you decided to do. You are an amazing man. Fondly, Janet in San Diego.
Boring? Never.
ReplyDeleteTwo jobs, a new baby, and he needs to give something back? We could all learn from Danny!
ReplyDeleteYou're never boring John, and you write so well. We'd soon let you know if you got boring 😉
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is not going "off the boil". Good wishes.
ReplyDeleteI think you know exactly what to do if you think things needs livening up.
ReplyDeleteCall up Bunty & get her to drag you out on the lash.