Bra straps

 Yesterday’s shenanigans have left me thoughtful and a little upset.     
Upset, because I was already nervous about travelling alone and this incident has unnerved me greatly and has zapped my confidence. Ok I know all of the platitudes, and at least it was in London and not Rome, but that’s not the point. 
I spoke to Nu and I feel better because of it. 
She forwent the platitudes and just listened.
Having an emergency alone isn’t very much fun
Thank you all for your comments ,
I’m grateful for your concern.

Yesterday was horrid, but all of the people involved were kind. From the woman who cleaned my bloody face with a towel to the Muslim woman and her husband who accompanied me to the ambulance, I saw nothing but concern yesterday. The airport staff were second to none and today located my hand baggage which had been handed in and will have it sent to be here and the Registrar who dealt with me yesterday had to be pushed to discharge me only because she was being kind keeping me, knowing that I lived in Wales and not London. 
My sister has just popped up too, ironically with a pasta supper, and although concerned found that my losing a shoe at the point of collapse very funny…..funnily enough so did I 

I’ve done a few nice things this afternoon to compensate . I made stew and dumplings, cut roses from the rebloomig rose Bush in the front garden and bought a string of light up dinosaurs from Tesco which I hung over the fireplace 
The stew, roses and dinosaurs all look cheerful.



152 comments:

  1. I'm glad that so many people pitched in to help you, and I'm also glad you're back home again. I hope you get to the bottom of what happened. I'm sure you plan to follow through on diagnostics but DO take care of yourself. We're all thinking of you.

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  2. Anonymous3:42 pm

    Great news! Jackie

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  3. so glad you are ok

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    Replies
    1. I could be a lot worse dear Yael , disappointing but it could be a lot worse

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  4. Barbara Anne3:50 pm

    I'm not surprised you felt upset and discomboulated after all that happened yesterday. So glad you experienced the kindness of strangers and more glad that you're back home. Sweet, sweet haven!

    Hugs!

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    1. The bulldog is licking my knees as I type this

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    2. Sausages for Dorothy!

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  5. Anonymous3:51 pm

    I am so glad that you are recovering well and that this epidsode, I hope, won't put you off your travels. Travelling alone is nerve-wracking at best and when something like this happens it certainly strains one's confidence. It's also so good to know that there are still kind people around and that when something like this happens they rally around.
    Relax, enjoy your weekend and Rome is eternal, it will always be there! Hugs Ro (n.w. Italy)

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    1. At the moment I don’t want to go it alone again
      But I had researched what I had to do and go well, so it’s a shame….perhaps in February ?? At least it will be cool

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  6. Nice to hear you are safe at home and 'pottering about'. There's a lot to be said for 'pottering about', it does bring comfort l feel. I am glad you both found time to laugh at the missing shoe. Once, when l fell in swampy mud and couldn't get out, my only cry was 'anbag, where's me 'anbag'. Laughter is the best medicine, as you well know dear boy.Tess x

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    1. I knew my sister would find it hilarious me looking oddly my shoe lying twenty feet away…it was the kind of story our gran used to tell us as kids…slightly incongruous

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  7. So good to hear from you and that you are up to pottering. There has been a lot of worry in blogland!!!

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    1. There’s been a bit up here too lol

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  8. Anonymous4:07 pm

    John, so very glad to know you're back home and settled in for a bit. Can't think of anything better than your beautiful roses, delicious stew, and some fun string of lights. Know you will take care of yourself properly. Lots of hugs from the base of the mini-mountain in Maine where chilly weather has arrived. Regina xox

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    1. I’m feeling and appreciating the lurve Regina xx

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  9. Nice to see you're well enough to go shopping for dinosaur lights (love them BTW) and making stew. A few days R&R is called for methinks. Do please get yourself thoroughly checked over; this didn't happen for no reason, as you well know. Consider yourself told! xx

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    1. I felt ok on the way to the ambulance to be fair….and all the appropriate tests ( and then some) were done by a very thorough doctor
      I feel normal now, but I will take your advice and will chill

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  10. Please take care John and slow down for a while.

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    1. I will Rachel and I appreciate your message very much

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    2. Traveller7:10 pm

      Nice to see Rachel commenting on here again

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    3. I was moved by her comment

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  11. Anonymous4:24 pm

    I have been in that situation and had to bear it alone.Actually that is not true.It would have been probably better to be alone than have to face the truth about my relationship.I thought I was having a heart attack and my partner just ignored me turned over and went to sleep.He said he thought I was joking or being melodramatic.I have breast cancer and my medication is making me feel very ill
    I am so pleased that everyone was kind to you and you are safe at home. Rest and enjoy the peace of your lovely home pets and friends. Take care

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    Replies
    1. What a sad story thank you for being so brave sharing it .
      The kindness of those people at the airport covered and made me feel so much better than the situation warranted

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  12. I'm relieved to hear you're back on your feet.
    Please take things easy for a while and accept all offers of help, which you so readily offer to others in times of need. Xx

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  13. Glad you are safe and your case has been found. I can well imagine how this will have knocked your confidence. Take care of yourself and allow time to recover.

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    1. I’m all bluster when confidence is concerned

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  14. I have followed your blog from the beginning I just don't comment. I agree totally with Rachel please slow down. The stress you have had over the years can't be overstated. You do a difficult job with dedication and professionalism. You're animals have been so well looked after from the Chickens to your dogs. You give to you're village and the people living there. Whilst none of us are saints you're a pretty decent human being.. The most important thing is John you're kind, so take some time to be kind to yourself. Wendy x

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    Replies
    1. Wendy, this comment caught me unawares and it’s moved me
      Sometimes I keep the demons away from my mind by being busy and full on, I know that can be destructive as well as a positive
      Thank you for following me from the start

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    2. Anonymous8:29 pm

      What Wendy said.

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  15. Love your dinosaurs :)

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  16. Anonymous4:51 pm

    Hugs John, I have done that a few times and it is mortifying. Just take things steady, and get better, get back into a routine, regular meals etc. Taking care of yourself for a change. Ooh and early nights. Very boring I know but you need to re-establish the status quo. Things will re-align, but softly, softly catch a monkey, not like a Bull in the China shop. There are still a lot of kind people out there, thank goodness they looked after you. Rest, the body needs to recover from shock, which takes more than a week as it is not only shock to the physical it is shock for the emotional as well. Hugs Pattypanxx

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    1. My problem is that I push myself too much and commit to too much

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    2. Anonymous6:53 pm

      I know that too John. Too well trained to please others and make others happy, and rarely say No. In fact it stresses one out to say No. Sometimes though you can cope with things no problem but the body cannot for whatever reason and that is when it throws a wobbler. Usually at the most inconvenient moment. How is your tongue today? I found a warm lightly salted water helps with the healing. I have the over commitment thing too. I on the other hand have had epilepsy since I was seven. I know that is not your issue, but I know the side-effects too well of my system throwing a power cut and terminating the electric supply. These things are sent to try us. Hope the doggy squad are giving you a cuddle. Hugs again Pattypanx

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    3. I bit my tongue and my cheek which hurts more

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  17. Glad to hear you are home and safe, you know how to take care of yourself.

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    1. I can do that I’m a selfish old fucker

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    2. Anonymous8:13 pm

      SOF? Nah. Olivia

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  18. Glad to hear you are back at home. Take care xxx

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  19. Rest well dear friend.
    Jo
    Xx

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  20. Good, back to base and look after yourself!
    Thanks be for Nu, your sister and all the people who cared.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, that means a great deal it really does
      And all of these comments have made me smile on a day I didn’t really want to x

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  21. Anonymous5:11 pm

    Whew thank goodness you are better today than yesterday and huge thanks to all persons who helped you. The dinosaurs are just the thing to cheer you, along with the other kind touches from family and friends, take care. Jan in Castle Gresley

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    1. My sisters and friends have been in touch xx thank u all

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  22. Traveller5:18 pm

    Good to hear you sounding more like yourself.

    I have done the same, a quick faint while waiting to clear security coming into Heathrow. I did a quick slump to the floor, didn’t hurt anything. David Mirvish was ahead of me in the line and helped pick me up. He is a Canadian theatre producer. He was on his way to a celebratory showing of Phantom (can’t remember the number).

    It was short visit to London for me but he was the start of the celebrity sightings. The next evening in a restaurant near the Old Vic I saw Ian McEwan on the next table.

    Getting the tube back to Heathrow to head back to Toronto, at Westminster tube station, I saw someone who had this “don’t recognize me” look on her face. It was Ruth Rendell…think she was headed to the House of Lords.

    Apologies for making this about me…but was trying to distract.

    Rest up lad.

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  23. Anonymous5:19 pm

    All of the above comments.

    AND you need to make a doctor's appointment. What has happened might have been a warning sign. At lot of people will be upset if you just ignore this.

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    1. I have copies of my blood work and ECG results ETC which will be forwarded onto my GP

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  24. Yorkshire Liz5:20 pm

    Make your dumplings, eat your dumplings, be a dumpling. For a bit. These things happen. Deep breaths and onwards, bra straps yanked up and ready.....oh dear, mental images are...interesting!

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    1. I’ve been called worse
      “ be a dumpling” lol

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  25. Very pleased to hear from you! X

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  26. Glad to hear you're home, that your case has been found & will be delivered to you, and that you're getting on with a bit of restful pottering. Love the cheerful string of dinosaur lights over the fireplace.
    Take good care of yourself and have a quiet, peaceful weekend.

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    1. Thank you, good job I recovered my NOK in my passport is still the Prof, now that would have been embarrassing

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    2. Anonymous8:12 pm

      Time to change that NOK methinks.

      Jo in Auckland

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  27. Your due for a rest. Glad your home and on the mend.

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    1. I’m perfectly ok,,,just bruised and embarrassed which is a painful wound in itself

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  28. So glad to hear you're back home and up to pottering! Take care of yourself and yes, being on your own when stuff like this happens is shit! xxx

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    1. I felt a fool when the lady tending me asked who I was with ?
      And I said no one😩

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    2. She made a wrong assumption. That doesn't make you a fool

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  29. Anonymous5:57 pm

    Great to hear from you. Rest up, be kind to yourself, this too will pass and you will do travelling on your own again if you wish. Noreen

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    1. Too much drama.
      I’ve emailed the airport to thank them

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  30. Sending you hugs, which I hope to be able to give you in person one day very soon.

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  31. Crikey John - have just read yesterday's post. What a to-do. Frightening and frustrating for you. As you say, just as well it didn't happen in Rome, and you're safely back at home. Take care of yourself. x

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  32. I am relieved to hear that you are now safely back home, and that your luggage is not far behind you.
    Love those dinosaur lights.
    Take care.

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    1. The luggage arrived an hour ago , minus a couple of phone charges and leads

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  33. Anonymous6:16 pm

    You will get your confidence back . You just need some recovery time . Maybe do your next trip with a friend until you get your mojo back !! Xx Bernie

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    1. Yes, it couldn’t have happened at the worst time and I feel a bit flattened by it all

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  34. Glad you are home, dear one. Tiny dinosaurs are known for their healing powers. Bet you did not know that! Sending much love. xoxo Julie

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  35. I think this was the inner John saying hold on a minute, you've been going full on for ages. When in doubt, do more, sort of approach. Maybe resting a bit is good. I'm happy to see the playful side is intact, with the light up dinosaurs!

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    1. The inner john wants to smile a little more

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  36. Anonymous7:03 pm

    I had food poisoning on a group trip, but I was alone and couldn’t get out of my room I was so sick. The group leader didn’t even come to my room to see why I had missed the bus for a tour.. after I could manage, I went to the hotel front desk and they told me there was a pharmacy in the basement of the hotel, so I did get some drugs.. the hotel would not give me the tour leaders room number but let me leave a message for her. Later she came and took me to the hospital where a wonderful doctor checked me out . When I remarked at how good his English was, he told me he had gone to school in USA. He said I was okay to get on the tour the next morning. I was so glad it was a two night stop or they would have left me behind in Slovenia. I had really wanted to see Ljubliana, not just the hospital. I never travelled with that company again.. I think you need to look after yourself first, then find another person to travel to Rome with you, you will be fine, just take a little break from saying yes to everybody and say yes to you. Glad you feel better today.. Gigi

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    1. Another supportive story ,mum not alone

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    2. Anonymous7:20 pm

      Jesus H Christ John
      What’s with the drama!!!

      I’m stressed for you!

      Keith
      Xx

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  37. Anonymous7:20 pm

    I am glad to see you are back home , there is a lot to be said for being back in the ‘safety’ of the familiar . I want to echo so many of the comments above as well … Jane x

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  38. I think you need to treat yourself to a chaise longue John x

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    1. What happened to you ?

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    2. My Dad taught me to go ignoquito when necessary John that's all x 🌈 🤗

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  39. That was a scary episode! I hope you are recovering well, and get to the bottom of why that happened.

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    1. I suspect I will never do that , lifestyle will help
      Weight loss for one

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    2. up yer carrots apples and celery John - and raw x

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    3. You don’t yet sound like the flis I remember

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    4. I was just trying to say in my way John that I wondered whether you may benefit from eating more raw food - as 6 years ago I had a suspected stroke which was later diagnosed as hemipligic migraine - All my body would accept for several weeks was apples celery and carrots x,

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  40. Life has a way of stopping us in our tracks, doesn't it.
    There seems to be no rhyme or reason.
    I'm so glad you are home. Xx

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    1. So am I
      I am on my trendy blue couch
      With a dog crammed into every gap.
      My fire is lit
      As are my dinosaurs

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  41. Anonymous8:18 pm

    Scary doings, and so glad you're back home. But you got through it! And kind folks recognized a kind person. Good karma? Olivia

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    1. I was incredibly moved by those 6 people
      The woman who cleaned my face
      The couple that walked me to the ambulance
      The registrar who had lovely gentle manners
      The support worker who washed my pants
      The chap from the airport who returned my luggage

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  42. Anonymous8:20 pm

    I have an idea…you’re a writer. Therefore when you are traveling alone — you’re not traveling ALONE, you’re on a business trip, getting ideas and inspiration for your book.
    It’s a mindset change. I think it will work as I’ve travelled the world for business and never thought of myself as “traveling alone”. Also it will give more focus to the future book. I read Pats poem today and it made me cry (in a good way).

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  43. So glad you're home and feeling a bit better. It must have been a terribly unnerving thing to go through.

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    1. I know I’m making light of it , but I was an awful awful experience

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  44. Happy to hear that you are home and taking care of yourself. The dinosaurs will surely help. :) Good to know that you are sending details of the event to your GP, right thing to do.

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    1. The department in London do that automatically

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  45. You weren't wearing crocs, were you? One of those could certainly fall off easily.

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    1. This made me laugh
      No. My green trendy shoes

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  46. Anonymous8:50 pm

    So relieved to hear that you are doing okay and giving yourself the care you need today. As another solo traveler, it sounds like such a nightmare. I'm so glad that those kind folks were around to give some assistance. I once injured myself badly, lots of bleeding from a head wound (although it was at home, which is much easier) and it shook me up. It has been a couple of years but I am still conscious of the vulnerability of traveling alone.
    Nina

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    1. Thank you for recognising. That Nina

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  47. Nu knows you well and I'm glad she was helpful. Being home, resting and healing is best for now.

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    1. She does, and just the sound of her voice made me centre and relax

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  48. weaver9:06 pm

    You are bouncing back! Good to hear but please, please.take it as a warning - stop trying to do so much. Rome will wait - it isn't going anywhere - it has been there far too long to want to go anywhere else. Quiet strolls with the dogs, wandering round the garden smelling those exquisite roses, cooking your fancy meals, and getting plenty of sleep.
    Incidentally have you read Derek Jarman's 'Modern Nature' = the diary he kept a year or two before he died of AIDS/HIV. Am reading it at the moment - not a book to 'enjoy' but a book to fascinate and to give a lot of food for thought. xx

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    Replies
    1. Just recently you have become more Challenging, more reflective, More interactive and present

      Thank u

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  49. Medical incidents make us see our mortality up close and personal, but they're a thousand times worse when we're alone. My experience at least. I'm glad there were kind people around you to help, and hope you get an explanation for the incident and can do something to prevent another one. Sending good wishes xx

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    1. At last someone who touched a nerve
      It was a dreadfully upsetting experience made worse because I was alone

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  50. Anonymous9:23 pm

    I'm so very sorry to hear this, John. Please take good care of yourself, cutback on some of the "must-do's".Sending love from California, Gail

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  51. I am grateful you are home. Soak up the love and relax in the warmth of it.

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  52. Anonymous9:38 pm

    Very disconcerting and unpleasant thing to experience EVER, but particularly on your way to what should have been an adventure. The kindness you were shown *almost* makes up for missing Rome. Hope whatever the cause was, is minor...... and you seem to be better today.....for that I am thankful.
    Susan M

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  53. I remember saying Clarke Gable not Vivian Leigh....;)

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  54. Please don't feel alone in no longer being married John - I am but when I have been ill He has let me down badly - You though are loved x 💗

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    1. Anonymous1:54 pm

      5 comments already from you on this post, shame you didn't stay away.

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    2. Anonymous1:56 pm

      John is doing so well on his own, he doesn't need reminding of his marriage flis.

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  55. Bloody hell. I'm so sorry you went through that and I'm always so impressed with how kind people are, even to strangers. I'm glad you're back home, safe and sound.
    Sending hugs.

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  56. It is so comforting that you encountered the 6 persons that helped get you back on your feet.
    I do hope you feel confident to travel again soon.
    Linda from Alabama

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  57. Anonymous11:00 pm

    You must go and have a full medical with a doctor/Specialist to ensure that you are having enough oxygen and your heart is fully functioning Cholesterol salt and sugar need to be checked thoroughly . Too many people love you and want you to live a healthy life. Fish oil is good for you to take every day. . You are medical professional and as you often sat they are thevladt moto do these self checks

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  58. Brigitta11:48 pm

    I'm familiar with fainting (about the only disadvantage of a low blood pressure) but never bit my tongue or wet myself. Those two symptoms, especially together, concern me. I'm glad you're being checked thoroughly. Sending healing vibes!

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  59. Those dinosaurs alone ought to make you feel better!

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  60. Those dinosaurs are wonderful! They ought to help you recover. The important question is . . . Did you get your shoe? (just kidding; how are you now is the important question)
    Love,
    Janie

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  61. My son had a seizure (he has epilepsy) while flying w/out me the first time. I wanted to die, I was so upset. He was fine; everyone was incredibly kind to him, helped, etc., until I could get to him. Angels are everywhere; I know that's a platitude, but I am glad it's true. Hope you are feeling better and getting answers; that always helps to calm me down. ♥

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  62. Anonymous2:59 am

    John, John..do you have any idea how stretched you have made yourself with work, school, town involvements, choir, and attending your fur kids. Slow down Superman. We love you so much. Don’t give up on your travels. It is obvious you fill your soul when you travel. Deep breath, deep breath.
    Rosie

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  63. Go Gently John, at least for a while and rest and recuperate x

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  64. How good to read that you are back amongst the living, and that your humour is still there. Very best wishes, Cro x

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  65. You're always astonishingly self-aware of your own condition, whether it's positive or otherwise, having the ability to stand outside yourself and evaluate as if you were a separate 'patient'. Of course it doesn't mean that you will always have answers but it's a rare and valuable trait indeed. Good luck, my friend. We await news of your progress with some anxiety, but you're in good hands - your own.

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    1. Traveller7:48 am

      What an amazing comment

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    2. it's JayGee himself who's the 'amazing' one.

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    3. I was touched by what you said raymondo

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  66. Well who HASN'T got a string of light-up dinosaurs? I'm surprised you've lived this long without them!

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  67. Oh fuck, sounds terrifying!! Have a hug John x

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  68. How wonderful to hear of the kindness of everyone who helped you and I was so pleased you received your small case as I didn't hold out much hope there. I hope you start to feel stronger and better very soon.

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  69. I'm glad you are safe and home and surrounded by people and furries that love you. One thing that this did highlight is the goodness in other people all around you, complete strangers that rushed to your aid and got you help and organised. Something that you have done so many times for others.

    Now take it easy for a while. xx

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  70. I feel so badly for all you went through John. Don't feel embarrassed- as shown through the kindness of strangers and those here and in your life, all we feel is love and concern.

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  71. Anonymous11:41 am

    Sorry to hear what happened. Glad you're recovering. Ruth

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  72. Anonymous12:29 pm

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  73. Anonymous12:46 pm

    I was so sorry to read about your episode at the airport. Thinking of you and hope you are very soon back to enjoying life full on - love the dinosaurs!
    Alison in Wales xx

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  74. I am late reading this and there is not one thing I could say that hasn't been said here except that I, too, care about you John. Mary in Florida is thinking of you and saying as everyone else has- you are loved. Now. Take it a little easier.

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  75. You see now, that we are all standing in the doorway waving. If anyway possible we would all actually be there to share hugs and murmur our love to you. :)

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  76. Hugs, John. Stay safe and feel all of the love that all of us readers are sending you!

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  77. Anonymous3:00 pm

    So sorry this happened to you. Strange coincidence that last Friday my husband was at lunch with a friend when he went face first in his bratwurst sandwich. The restaurant called an ambulance and he went through all the tests and scans etc that you did. He was diagnosed with the syncope thing, The difference was he was with a friend and in his home town not at the airport traveling alone. My heart goes out to you. I know as we age (you, me, us everyone) there is a feeling of vulnerability that we didn't have to think about when in our 20's, 30's and 40's. Life is a lesson, isn't it?
    Glad you are taking good care of yourself. And hope you get to Rome soon.

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  78. Anonymous3:01 pm

    That anon is from me, Kaye.

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  79. Oh my word, John, What a scare. I read your previous post and I trust you are on the mend . xxx Jo

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  80. Reading all the above comments and there is nothing else I can add being so late to this party.... but the kindness of strangers never ceases to remind me that this world isn't all bad! Glad you got your suitcase back... I echo everyone else when they say slow down a bit and take stock...and maybe learn to say No occasionally. Big hugs.

    Jo in Auckland

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  81. Look at all the lovely people here. We all wish we lived closer, and would be happy to look after you dear John.

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I love all comments Except abusive ones from arseholes