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THOUGHTS
Many charities are easily recognized by their letter headings such as NSPCC & RSPCA to illustrate but two. But seemingly on occasion “each” is not and without further ado perhaps we ought to remind ourselves of the old saying “charity begins at home”. What does this really mean? Well to a simple mind as ever, part of the answer lies in the dictionaries definition of charity, but surely without wishing to go over the top, the far simpler answer lies in the often referred to “The Good Book” ie the Bible which is to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. There are times during the path of life when words of this nature do not really sink home until circumstances change which quite often are brought about by various events beyond our personal control, our TV screens/Wireless/Newspapers etc. illustrate this indeed too often.
On the 16th October with others Ann and the Old Un were privileged following an invitation to visit our local East Anglian Childrens Hospice in Ipswich which is one of three the others being in Quidenham, Norfolk and Milton in Cambridgeshire and it has to be said/written that the staff are a truly happy and totally committed group of people, “horses for courses”. During our conducted tour explanations of the actual support which is given to these particular luckless children and their parents was moving indeed.
Why? should one be drawn to their particular plight, the answer is that some years ago with many others one was part of a team that participated in placing a brain-imager in situ at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge and whilst enjoying the sticky, heavy clay underfoot, especially in the early part of the construction, well within a stones throw of the location was a small play area where hospitalized children were brought out to play. If ever there was an illustration to be thankful for ones own childrens blessings it was there at that time. Hence “There but for the sake of god” is? Is it not, simplicity in its purist form.
As the old year begins to fade we can but hope in the new year “Peace” will once again be mans greatest desire.
In conclusion may I wish you all a very happy Christmas.
Mervyn
