Day 3 of being incapacitated with a slipped disc and I am now frustrated! The spirit is willing but, alas, the flesh is weak. I sense a joke somewhere about spineless clergy but cannot be bothered to form it! If nothing else I am discovering what a rotten patient I am….still that does not mean that I cannot achieve something.
Yesterday, due to the wonders of mobile laptops, I managed to print off the necessary material for this Sunday’s stewardship campaign and put together a Power Point presentation required by David Noakes who is leading this for us. I then started work on an article for New Directions and made some pastoral ‘visits’ by telephone! No-one signs me off work that easily!! Today I plan to finish said article and work on sermons for the Christmas period.
So fairly busy in some ways but hardly able to do all I want or need to do. Thus I am grateful to all who have offered help. Fr. Derek gave last rites to Brenda Padgem, who passed away yesterday (funeral details to follow). This Sunday Fr. David Peters, one of the Chaplains at Tonbridge School, has kindly offered to celebrate. I am going to take him up on that offer but will do all that I can to be present. Fingers crossed but no promises. Finally Michael Smith has been brilliant by sorting mid-week services.
I am now realising that my recovery is going to take a while. Though there is definite progress – I can now walk to the study very gingerly- the pain is pretty grim. But that does not mean I must be totally out of the picture and I am more than happy for parishioners to contact me if they fancy a ‘visit’ from home! And the phone is by my side should anyone need anything!. As the final photo shows, it is a dog’s life at present…just not for me! Prayers please for my recovery and for Hayley, who is bereft of a husband’s assistance.
As an experienced nurse as well as somone who suffers a chronically painful back following surgery for prolapsed disc I counsel you NOT to attempt church on Sun as you must give it time to get better (medication masks symptoms)Yours is L3 which is high up and this could lead to bladder problems and permanent disability if not handled properly.The correct procedure is for you to inform your rural dean or archdeacon (they are responsible for providing cover)and get a proper sick note from your GP. Despite what you think no one is indespensible and although being out of action is very frustrating it will lead to you being off longer if you dont listen to your body now.I know you never listen to advice but please dont be a total pratt and do as Mummy tells you!
It is L2 not L3! I AM listening to Doctor and i AM signed off…..and Sunday we shall see! The modern advice is to do as much as you can. Once you can move do so, as long as it does not hurt! And I DO listen to advice….when I like it!! Thanks Mum!!!
Hmm – Nice vestments! Be well Fr Ed and remember to do as your mummy tells you – I do…sometimes.
What do you mean about not being a support for Hailey, you look to be in the perfect position for having a young chap placed upon your chest for a cuddle and a prime captive for reading that story ….again! I know what you mean though as I have been there myself, though fortunately not a slipped disc.
Try and take this time as a gift, no matter how teeth grindingly frustrating it might feel, make the most of it, praying and meditating on all that has been happening to you and the Church over the last month!
Thoughts and prayers are with you all, and it is always a good idea to listen to Mother.
A century ago, Canon de Laubanque in Canterbury gave the coffin lid of the catafalque to a husband to slip under his wife’s side of the bed (for the same condition) without her knowing! I could ring Kempsters if you like? Seriously, and with the Yuletide synaxis looming, dont go nuts and overdo it! The “man job” of peeling brussels is an exhausting job that requires strength, skill, spirituality and a bottle of Spitfire! We husbands should be in training for this yearly challenge that leaves us requiring choc’s and sleep after celebrating our Saviour’s birth….He totally understands! Best wishes for a speedy recovery, and self peeling sprouts!
Better still forget the sprouts altogether!! At least according to the picture someone looks comfy, you seem to have a back massager built into your duvet!!