Saturday 29 August 2009

Man not myth

Having referred twice now to PETAL in the blog, I thought it about time to find out more about the author of this inspirational philosophy for living with mesothelioma. Is he a fictional character, or for real? Someone from history or a contemporary? Based in the UK, or somewhere else in the world?

I am delighted to report that GSB is a real person, very much alive and kicking, and living somewhere at the end of a link to a computer in the UK. He was kind enough to respond to a exploratory e-mail sent on the off-chance that there aren't too many philosphers in the world who share his name. Seven years on, Graham now lives his life now without thinking about mesothelioma - what a wonderful place to be. The PETAL philosophy has clearly been a great success. Please write that book, Graham - others will be inspired your story!

This extended gap between Steve's chemo cycles has give us the chance to get on with life almost as normal, unencumbered by hospital visits, and associated fatigue and nausea. Out and about again today, making the most of the blue skies and sunshine, with a visit to see Stanley Spencer's moving paintings in the Sandham Memorial Chapel en route to another NT property, The Vyne, a 16th century house in Hampshire set in wonderful parkland, with a good walled garden and borders full of butterflies. And that other essential, a tea room! No photography inside the house, but plenty of scope outside.

I say almost as normal, as we seem to be doing more this August than would otherwise be the case. Steve is taking all this exertion and physical activity in his stride. It was me who flopped for a rest when we got home late this afternoon...

More good news on the creative front; some of my images will be exhibited at this year's Art in Woodstock Festival in October, following on nicely from Steve's foray into the underground in September. And we have also been offered an exhibition in the new Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre here in Oxford, June-July 2010. Something to work towards over the winter months...


No comments:

Post a Comment