For the past three weeks, I've started this post, erased the words and started again and again...
I was going to tell you what had transpired in regards to the bursitis in my right elbow.
And another tragedy would happen in Britain. Yes, Britain, "this green and pleasant land". A land tested and tormented to an insidious breaking point. I'd start to type again and another tragedy would befall this beleaguered, fragile land.
Each heartbreaking incident has deeply impacted ever fibre of my emotional being. Floods of tears have cascaded down my cheeks.
So much pain. Some perpetrated by acts of terror. And then there was the horror of the apartment tower.
It made the physical pain I'd experienced, for just over eight months, pale into insignificance. Yes, through the passage of time, a further evaluation by my doctor, it has turned out that I will not be needing surgery. My right elbow is almost back to normal.
My elbow situation is but a sideline issue in regards to the overall ethos of this post.
For through each tragedy I've witnessed, there has been a tangible sense of a real, loving community. A gathering of humanity. All united in a solidarity that gives them, gives you, gives me hope through the hell. People from all walks of life, the rich, the poor, the black, the white, the Muslim, the Christian, the Jew, the atheist and the agnostic, embracing, crying together, being there for each other in a peaceful defiance to what could, but never will, tear us apart.
All different. All equal. We must not let hatred, through ignorance, breed further hatred and ignorance. Let us celebrate humanity's diversity. Let us learn from each other, in peace, in love.
Extremism, in all its ugly forms, will never, ever defeat us.
Stay strong Gary and Penny! 💂💪
ReplyDeleteHi Pat,
DeleteThank you kindly. We shall indeed stay strong.
Gary
I'm glad to see you back, Gary, and with such a thoughtful and encouraging post. Looking for the good is never more important than when bad things are happening.
ReplyDeleteRecognizing other painful events in the world doesn't diminish personal pain, however. Every person suffers alone, unless he or she allows others to know about their suffering. Good to hear your elbow is improving now and that you won't need surgery. That must be a big relief.
Scritches for Penny! How is the little gal doing?
Hi Jenny,
DeleteThanks and it's good to have a bit of momentum back. Heck, I even switched on the comments section.
Oh yes and well stated, my friend. United in doing good deeds when adversity has caused so much heartache.
We have to reach out and let others know of our personal plights. We should never feel alone. Help each other, we help ourselves. Yes, the elbow, through the passage of time, seems to just about okay now.
Penny is doing just fine, thank you. She looks after me very well.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
Gary
This is beautiful, Gary. Your thoughts are uplifting during troubled times.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear the good news about your lack of surgery as well. Good to have you back in action!
Hi Lynda,
DeleteThat's very kind of you. We really need to be here for each other. Even more so.
It was quite a relief to not need surgery and the complications that may well have occurred.
It's nice to be back in a bit of action.
Wishing you a nice weekend, Lynda.
Gary
Welcome back my wonderful friend, I've missed you. You have a "true" heart and that is why you feel so deeply. Thank you for an uplifting post and reminding us that there is still good in the world even during times of chaos.
ReplyDeleteBright Blessings, talk soon ok...
Hi Truedessa,
DeleteThank you for the welcome back, my very kind friend. Like you, I truly sense the vibes, bad and good. Let the good vibes suffocate the bad vibes.
Peaceful, hopeful wishes for a wonderful weekend.
Gary
There is so much terrorism in the world - not to mention the normal crisis of every day living. Listening to the news can terrify me. Its bad enough here in the states with all the senseless shootings that happen; but watching the overseas terrorism makes me wonder if there is any good news out there.
ReplyDeleteIt is heartwarming to see communities strive together for solace and repairs.
And I am so glad your elbow is becoming an elbow again.
Hi Donna,
DeleteIt does make you wonder if there's any good news. I suppose seeing communities gather together, through adversity, gives us hope that communities can gather together for no apparent reason.
Thank you for kind thought in regards to my elbow.
A lovely Sunday and beyond, to you.
Gary
Yes Gary we've certainly have had lots happening of late , one dreads putting the news on the TV. Thanks for highling it to the rest of the world.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Hi Yvonne,
DeleteIt has been one tragedy after another lately. My heart sinks when we get another one of those breaking news stories.
Indeed, the world looks on and knows that the resolve of Britain and so many places, will never allow trauma destroy.
Thank you, Yvonne.
Gary
Hi Gary, so pleased you don’t need surgery after all but what a time you’ve had.
ReplyDeleteThe acts of terror are beyond despicable, senseless, vile acts of cruelty. As for the Grenfell Tower, what can one say? It’s just such an awful waste of life and so incredibly sad. I can’t remember the last time I shed so many tears.
Hi Barbara,
DeleteThanks and its been a very frustrating eight plus months.
Those that would bring terror to the streets are impressionable people with a warped sense of what is right. We both shed tears on so many level with the Grenfell Tower horror. Although, not mentioned in my post, I was born about three miles from the location, just off The King's Road, Chelsea.
Peace and hope and thanks, Barbara.
Gary
I’m so sorry Gary it must make it even more poignant for you. The images on TV continue to show how terrible it must have been. I feel so sad for all the people who lived there and in the neighbouring towers.
DeleteHi Barbara,
DeleteThank you for the follow up comment. It was poignant for me and my mother who now lives in Vancouver but lived many years in that part of London.
And that horrific reminder in the aftermath for all those impacted in the neighbourhood.
Thank you, kind friend.
Gary
It is lovely to see your warmth, empathy and compassion back in the blogosphere. And how right you are, there is good about - despite the undoubted ugliness.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue,
DeleteYou are most kind, my dear friend. I'm gently easing myself back into the blogosphere. Good must triumph over the undoubted ugliness.
Hope you had a nice weekend, Sue.
Gary
Hi Gary - good to see you ... and am so glad the bursitis has sorted itself out. The horrors that have been happening here in this country are truly too awful and I've had to withdraw from watching and focus on my world ... otherwise I'd be mortified and drained of all thoughts ... it is just appalling.
ReplyDeleteWe need to pull together - help others, not malign, work with people, collaborate ... give and take ...
Thanks for this post - I'm sure your words will resonate with so many of us ... Hilary
Hi Hilary,
DeleteThanks and it's good to be seen. My elbow is raring to go.
I understand what you. That's why I deliberately took the edge of this post in case somebody reading it would find it a bit too much.
Your words resonate with a goal we must strive to achieve.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Hilary.
A peaceful week ahead for you, I hope.
Gary
Such senseless violence - so much real evil in the world. But we can pull together and tragedy brings out the good in people. And that is what's needed to defeat evil.
ReplyDeleteHi Diane,
DeleteVery much so. Goodness will defeat evil. Thank you for your profound response, Diane.
Gary
Sometimes the worst brings out the best in people. It gives everyone the courage to keep on. Glad to hear you won't need surgery now, though, that's good news.
ReplyDeleteHi Debra,
DeleteIt most assuredly does. We do gather courage and strength with a peaceful world community of good defiance.
No surgery was good news, for sure.
Thank you, my kind friend.
Gary
Such a heartwarming post. It's so important for people to unite and keep the love going, especially during trying times. I'm glad to hear that you will not be needing surgery.
ReplyDeleteHi Martha,
DeleteI appreciate that, thank you. United in love and compassion for a better way amidst the madness.
No surgery is such a relief.
Thanks, Martha.
Gary
We've been following the news out of England. Every day I tune in the CBC and hold my breath. If they are talking about sports and movies and business I breathe again and turn it off. Far too many times there is some misery in the world that has pride of place in the news. One wonders, if the news didn't give them so much free publicity would it be any fun for the terrorists any more? At least one spot of good news from England, Prince Phillip is out of hospial. Tough old guy isn't he? And the other good news, You don't need surgery. Far too few bright spots in my opinion. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Canadians stand inn solidarity with you.
ReplyDeleteHi Delores,
DeleteAh yes and my mother, who lives near Vancouver, echoes your thoughts. It seems that so many places are being impacted by one form of tragedy or another. The media, to some degree, plays right into the hands of the terrorists. They must rejoice in the publicity and even more worrying, they can now rejoice for there has now been a retaliation against peace-loving Muslims at a mosque in London. They want us to pit against each other. We can not allow that to happen.
Prince Philip, all 96 years of him and the old dude keeps on going. Of course, me not needing surgery is a welcome bonus.
I know that the UK also stands in solidarity as one of the featured victims in a London terror atrocity was a Canadian lady named Christine.
In peace and unity,
Gary
There is so much going on for this great nation, and hopefully the storm will calm and common sense will prevail. Great thoughts, thanks for sharing and greetings to you.
ReplyDeleteHi Blogoratti,
DeleteMay the storm of sad events calm down soon over this beleaguered nation and so many nations.
Thank you for your welcome thoughts and we have already met in the wonderful world of blogging.
In kindness,
Gary
The Blogosphere has been bereft of your very personal brand of humane humanity Gary! It's so good to have you back.
ReplyDeleteCLICK HERE for Bazza’s unlikely Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hi Barry,
DeleteMuch appreciated, kind sir. You are most kind. It's good to be back after eight months of frustration and yes, NHS appointment confusion.
Be well, Barry.
Gary
Your country has been hard hit. We'll just keep praying.
ReplyDeleteHi Alex,
DeleteIt has been hit on so many emotive levels. Thank you, Alex. Prayers for the world.
In kindness,
Gary
What a beautiful post, my love. So well written. You've had a very hard time of it with one tragedy after another. I'm glad you feel a sense of togetherness.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
It occurred to me this morning that Tit-On-Elbow would make a great name for a little village. Pennsylvania has Bird In Hand and Intercourse.
DeleteHi Janie,
DeleteI'm most grateful for your very nice comment, Janie. It's been a heartbreaking time in the UK and many places in the world. I have been inspired by the sense of a oneness community.
I've visited "Tit-On-Elbow". A quaint, quintessential English village that is twinned with the Spanish town of "El-Boob"! :)
Time to check out Pennsylvania.
Thanks and love, your way,
Gary
Great post Gary. You guys have really had a bad year with these tragedies. That apartment tower is horrific.
ReplyDeleteHi JoJo,
DeleteThank you, my very kind friend. It really has been an awful year in the UK and sadly, so many other places. That tower fire was a tragedy that could have been prevented if proper safety regulations were in place.
Thank you, JoJo.
Gary
It's true, what England has experienced is horrendous, beyond comprehension. I cried too; how could I not. So sad. One of the victims the week before was a young Canadian woman from BC. She was a good girl who spent her young life helping others. She's being remembered through good deeds. People are doing all sorts of wonderful things and then leaving a note behind that says "Chrissy sent me."
ReplyDeleteHi Joylene,
DeleteThat young Canadian lady from BC, who lost her life during the London Bridge attack, was highlighted on the UK news. Her tragic end, thankfully, has brought out an outpouring on love and compassion. It shows that the ugly evil of this world has reached so many places in one way or another. The ugly evil will never defeat our united cause.
Thank you for your profound comment, my dear friend.
Gary
I'm just so pleased I visited your blog this evening.
ReplyDeleteA heart-warming post, thank you for taking the time to write it and share it with fellow bloggers.
My good wishes
All the best Jan
Hi Jan,
DeleteI'm delighted you took the time to visit my blog. Thank you.
I needed to verbalise this in a gentle way.
My good wishes back to you, Jan.
Gary
Hi, Gary,
ReplyDeleteI have been so distressed over what has been happening to all my dear friends in England. It is just insanity. Some people just have no respect for life... it beyond upsetting. But, as you so beautifully said, all walks of life are gathering together and holding strong. Keep that strength, Gary.....
Sending you consoling hugs across the great pond.
Hi Michael,
DeleteA warmly welcomed comment, good sir. Indeed, when differences are put aside, we can see how much strength we gather through solidarity.
Hugs across the water to you, Michael. Thank you.
Gary
I've seen these tragedies on the news. I think it's wonderful how people come together to help in times like this, but at the same time wonder why we can't all get along without a tragedy to make it happen.
ReplyDeleteHi River,
DeleteI share you thoughts. Yes, there should never be an excuse to bring us together. Thanks for that thoughtful angle, River.
Gary
Gary I am sooo happy to see you. I could not agree with this more "All different. All equal. We must not let hatred, through ignorance, breed further hatred and ignorance. Let us celebrate humanity's diversity. Let us learn from each other, in peace, in love."............my heart is breaking for London......I don't understand why London seems to be such a huge target. It just breaks my heart. I am also happy you do not need surgery!!! Sending you and all in your country (((hugs))), prayers and love. catchatwithcarenandcody
ReplyDeleteHi Caren,
DeleteThank you, Caren and I'm very pleased to see a comment from your very kind self. I was born in London and my heart aches for that wonderfully diverse city. It touched me in so many ways when I saw that horrific tower fire, what with it happening very near to where I was born.
Hugs to you and to us all, humans and our beloved animals alike.
Thanks, Caren.
Gary
The world has been crumbling at the seams, and then came the attacks on your country...Horrific, beyond comprehension! I know this isn't WWII, but it has the same feel. Just as then, people are finding strength in the humanity they share. A beautiful observation. We need more comments like yours ,Gary. Good that bursitis is under control. I think it lost its grip in light of everything else going on, eh?
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon,
DeleteThere is a community spirit that has defied what seems like the ravages of war. In London, after that tragic tower situation, they are now evacuating hundreds of people from tower blocks due to them not being safe enough to live in. A reaction a bit too late for those poor souls at Grenfell Tower. And yes, through the adversity has come the wondrous magic of humanity pulling together.
I think the bursitis had enough of messing around with me. A lot of other events to note in this beleaguered world.
Thank you, Sharon.
Gary
Hi Gary,
ReplyDeleteThe recent terrorist incidents and then the fire at Grenfell Tower in London have been truly shocking, horrific, and sad. But as you say, it has been amazing to see people and communities coming together to overcome their grief and anger at such calamities. Without wishing to reduce the truly enormous human tragedy of the fire to a simply political point, I would just say that it did appear to highlight the growing divide between rich and poor in our great country, and showed just how badly the policy of austerity has affected some communities. It is doubly impressive, then, to see how people have been so united.
On a lighter note, glad to see you back in blogland with an almost-healed titbow!
Very Best Wishes,
David.
Hi David,
DeleteI completely understand your observations, David. We have witnessed the worst and best of humanity. I'm glad you made not of the glaringly obvious plight of the poor and the social housing travesty. The ever widening gap between the rich and the poor with devastating consequences. I deliberately kept this post rather low-key. I was hoping someone might add the observation you have clearly articulated.
Nice to be able to touch the bone on my elbow. It was well hidden for over eight months.
All the best and chat soon, my illustrious friend.
Gary
A heart warming a well written post Gary. Glad to know that your elbow is almost back to normal and you and Penny are back in blogland - you've been missed :)
ReplyDeleteHi Eunice,
DeleteThank you very much for that, Eunice. My elbow is almost back to normal. As for me....well, if only I was as normal as my elbow now is. Or maybe not. Thanks and it's nice to have been missed :)
Gary
Gary, glad to hear your bursitis is improving. I know it can take months as I've also been afflicted.
ReplyDeleteNow onto the sad state of affairs this world is in. I too have found it to be very difficult in writing posts, as my blog is more of a "happy everything is wonderful" kind of blog. So I just haven't been writing.. but, a wonderful radio show host here in the states, Norm Goldman, keeps saying that we need to do normal things. Everyday happy things that keep us sane. We can't just watch the news or cruise the internet and read every vile comment or details of every catastrophe. However we also can't bury our heads in the sand and pretend it's not happening. Please know that what happens in the UK and elsewhere is felt deeply in this country as well. I'm just sorry that somehow we have an ignoramus reality TV personality leading our country, and I use the term "leading" loosely. Please stay safe and give Penny a big hug for me. We can only get through these things together. ~ Diane
Hi Diane,
DeleteThanks and it seems you know all about the inconvenience of bursitis.
I know how much of a gentle blog you write, my lovely friend. Indeed, it makes it so much tougher to formulate your stories when there is so much torment all around. Yet, based on that radio show, you know, I know, we have to get on with our lives and live them to the fullest.
Through this worldwide united front, goodness shall prevail. I know that what's been happening here has been major news in North America. Sadly, it's part the conversation I have with my very worried mother who lives near Vancouver.
That maniac excuse of a President has had the audacity to make cheap shots at the Mayor of London. No surprise but Trump took words of support by Sadiq Khan, totally out of context.
Hands and hugs, through the good community of the world, we shall indeed get through this together.
Thanks and bless you, Diane.
Gary
Thank you for such a heartfelt and warm reply! Bless you and your sweet Penny!
DeleteMy kind friend, Diane, thank you for returning and leaving such a blessed response.
DeleteIn peace and hope,
Penny and Gary
I have been so sad and angry these past few weeks, but I keep looking for the good and there is a lot of it out there. So many kind, decent people that restore faith in humanity.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear the news about your elbow - and very glad to see you back in Blogland :-) xx
Hi Teresa,
DeleteSadness and angry have been dominant emotions. It's heartening to see that goodness shall prevail over the badness that tried to plight our society.
Thanks in regards to my elbow. Nice to be actually able to type. And nice to be back in Blogland. Cheers, Teresa!
Gary :) xx
A heart warming a well written post Gary. Glad to know that your elbow is almost back to normal and you and Penny are back in blogland - you've been missed :)
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing...
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DeleteThat's very kind of you to say. I wish I knew who you were. I would ask, if your comment is sincere, to kindly not put in links to promote advertising. Thank you.
Gary
Agreed. Good will always triumph. We have to.
ReplyDeleteThe tragedies have been devastating and many tears have been shed here as well.
Glad your elbow is on the mend - such a relief!!!
Hi Jemi,
DeleteWell stated, Jemi. Those who perpetrate acts of evil will never win. We will never give them such permission. Yes, I'm in regular contact with friends and family in Canada and the USA. We, the world community of good, have shed many a tear.
Thanks for that about my mended elbow! :)
In peace and hope,
Gary
I don't know how to respond to what is happening in our world, so I've withdrawn from the news reports and twitter and fb chaos pertaining to this senseless destruction of life. Some people are so capable of great love and selfless giving, and then some come from a dark place where, what they perceive as faith, turns them into into monsters.
ReplyDeleteThanks for putting this post together. You've shared a lot of what I feel.
Oh, and good news on the elbow front.
Hi Lee,
DeleteWell put, my kind friend. I understand what you mean in regards to those news reports and the social media frenzy.
Thanks and I did hope that this post would be of a gentle balance.
The right elbow now looks almost like my left elbow.
Thank you, Lee.
Gary
In response to the spreading darkness, I've started doing posts covering the positive face of humanity, and each month, during the We are the world Blogfest, we come together to share positive stories from around us.
ReplyDeleteIt is not much, but I think each lighted lamp helps fight the darkness.
Would you like to join us, Gary?
Hi Damyanti,
DeleteI note that your comment doesn't make mention of my post and what you might have thought of my gentle angle to horrific situations.
As you will be aware and I know you mean well in fighting the darkness with positive beacons of light, I do not get involved in Blogfests for I'm but a single light emanating my light via my blog.
Thank you for the offer.
In peace, hope and respect,
Gary
Thanks for this, Gary. I've been so disturbed by so much of what has been happening that I have terrible anxiety just looking at the news. I'm so afraid for our world and scared that the hate will win the day. Reading this was a great reminder of the wonderful people that are everywhere. You said it so beautifully.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm so glad to read that you won't need surgery. That has to be such a weight off your mind. Take care and big hugs to you and the beautiful Penny.
Hi Julie,
DeleteMy apologies for such a late reply to your most kind and thoughtful comment. The news can have such an impact on sensitive, caring souls such as you.
We both realise that we shall, we have to, focus on all that is good.
I'm most relieved that I didn't need what could of be some complications because of surgery.
Hugs and here's to you having a peaceful, hopeful Fourth of July.
With respect and goodwill,
Gary
There are some bad people amongst most races and religions – but there are far more who're good, kind, helpful and worth getting to know.
ReplyDeleteHi Patsy,
DeleteThere are some bad people amongst all races and religions. Thankfully, those that would attempt to contaminate us with hatred are but a tiny minority.
Thank you, Patsy.
Gary
klahanie . Um, i live in Australia ... mostly AngloSaxon .. mostly "British" ... 'stiff upper lip'.
ReplyDeleteHowever; there is always space to grieve.
Hi Davoh,
DeleteIndeed, good sir, space to grieve seems to be in abundance. G'day and hello to you in Australia.
Gary
Hello to human and to Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar:
ReplyDeleteGood news about the elbow. Now, keep it that way! (on the mend)
Yes, it's broken my heart to see again, and again, the tragedies occurring in the UK. My heart goes out to all the victims, and to those who mourn and cry. Evil is rampant, and it strikes hard and as viciously as it can.
But to know that it also brings about the virtues of compassion, sympathy, and helping hands is something that Evil will never conquer.
Most thanks for visiting my blog, and my thoughts are with you, dear friend.
Hugs to sweet Penny. :)
Hi I.B. Nosey,
DeletePenny is leaning over my left shoulder as I attempt to type my reply.
Ah yes, the boob on my right elbow has virtually faded away.
All the decent folks and animals of the world unite to suppress the Evil.
Always a rather surreal delight to visit your blog.
Hey, Penny, here's a hug from the intrepid reporter. Yes, that one!
Thank you, my nice friend.
Gary
All different. All equal. I like the sound of that.
ReplyDeleteHey Blue,
DeleteThank you and thus your Blue is just as valid as any other colour, um, color :)
Cheers, good sir.
Gary
I'm so glad you are on the mend!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's disheartening to see the proliferation of violence and the loss of so many innocents. It makes each of us look at our daily lives with serious questions about how we, individually, can make a difference in a world that seems to be falling off the edge. Why is there so much hate? And why do the people who can do something to change the world seem to be doing their best to make it worse?
PS: Thanks for your visit! Cuddle with Penny for me. I've missed you both!
DeleteHi Yolanda,
DeleteThank you and I hope you feel better very soon.
You pose some thoughtful observations and questions, Yolanda. Each of us, individually, can use our individuality to express our desire to form a positive, peaceful unity. We will extinguish the hate which can me enhanced by those who should be setting an example.
Delighted to visit your wonderful blog. I shall now go cuddle Penny for you.
Thank you, Yolanda.
Gary
There are wonderful people everywhere you go, but there's also a lot of darkness unfortunately.
ReplyDeletewww.ficklemillennial.com
Hi Gina Gao,
DeleteAgreed and having lived in so many different places, I know it's very true that there are loads of wonderful people. Hopefully, the wonderful people of the world will suppress those who would cast darkness upon us.
Thank you, Gina.
Wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteHi middlechild,
DeleteI greatly appreciate that. Thank you!
Gary
Yes Gary we've certainly have had lots happening of late , one dreads putting the news on the TV. Thanks for highling it to the rest of the world.
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Hi sin,
DeleteHopefully, the worrying situations have calmed down. Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
Gary