I haven’t blogged for a few days. My dear Dadinlaw died earlier this week and I haven’t had the heart to do anything much. I had my sketchbook on me on my last visit to the hospital and found some consolation sketching through the window. I wondered why hospitals always seem to have a large chimney. At the top of the hill in the distance is the local psychiatric hospital, also with a large chimney. My final visit to the hospital coincided with the last page in my purple silk recycled sari sketchbook. It’s packed with scribbles from hospital visits; we lost so many people we loved over this past year.
Dadinlaw died peacefully after a long illness and the nursing and medical staff caring for him were so kind to him and our family and treated him with gentleness and dignity. Sometimes things go wrong in the NHS and we shouldn’t shirk from complaining and making sure that problems are confronted, but when things work as they should, and mostly they do, the care is exemplary and we should be proud of what Dadinlaw’s generation set up, for it was they who created the NHS, pensions, free education, all the things we take for granted. They grew up in the poverty of the Great Depression in the 19320’s and ’30’s and made sure that their children and grandchildren didn’t suffer as they did.
And now we’re in danger of losing their marvellous vision through the idiocy of ignorant, overpriviledged politicians who have no idea of the reality of poverty nor the moral compass to want to do something about it. We can’t afford to be complacent; we owe it to the generation that is now dying out to keep their legacy alive.
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I was worried when your dadinlaw went back into the system in December. Never fun to be visiting hospitals during the holidays. Now this. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. Take good care of yourselves and keep drawing (and jogging or power walking!). Condolences to your whole family.
Gale
Thanks so much, Gale. We had some time to prepare ourselves but it’s still very hard when it happens. Drawing and walking bring a lot of comfort, even in the rain 🙂
We hear nothing but negativity surrounding the NHS until it has been set up to fail. Yet anytime I have required it’s services it has always been there. Rosie I am so sorry to hear your sad news. My thoughts are with you.
Thank you Ziggy. I’m so cynical about the media and their agendas.
Hi Rosie, I was sorry to read your sad news – it is always hard to lose a loved one. My sympathies to you and your family. Elaine
Thank you Elaine 🙂
I’m sorry for your loss.
Hope you have Happy New Year though.
Thank you. Looking forward to a new start now
Loosing a loved one is never easy.. You and your Husband have my deepest sympathies.
Thank you Hansi 🙂
We have so much to loose is we loose the NHS. It is loveky to hear that your father in law was nursed through the final hours with such compassion, it means so much to those of us left behind.
Much love to both of you. xxxxxxxxxxxx
Thanks again Angie. We’re looking forward to the New Year now. Blwyddyn Newydd Dda 🙂
Sorry to hear your sad news, I hope 2013 is better for you both. Keep up your inspirational work xxx
Thank you. I’m looking forward to the New Year 🙂