The other morning I spent a while sorting out John’s various medical appointments, one of which we arranged for today. It was an early one at 9 o’clock and over at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. We were keen to arrange it early, because at noon we were to attend the funeral of our lovely neighbour, Richard.
As it turned out, the journeys to Birmingham and back were both ‘just in time’. We set off at 8 o’clock with the SatNav suggesting we’d arrive at the QE in about 50 minutes. Ha! Of course, by the time we’d arrived at the Stonebridge island, the SatNav was still suggesting we’d arrive in 50 minutes….. traffic builds up quickly at that time in the morning.
Anyway, we arrived not too many minutes after the appointed time and I dropped John off at the front of the building and went to park the car. Had a bit of trouble finding the ol’ man again though – I’d said ‘no’, when he’d asked if I wanted an email copy of the letter he’d been sent, not deeming it necessary that we both have it, so in essence I had no idea where to go. I wandered about a bit until someone pointed me in the right direction. It turns out I’d never have found him anyway, as he was warrened away behind ‘staff only’ smart-pass doors.
The appointment was to have a vaccination against COVID, but on a trial. The medics are trying to find out if the Pfizer jab or the Modena one creates any immunity in people who are immunocompromised. We know that the Astra Zeneca made no difference whatsoever.
After an hour of checks and questionnaires, John was vaccinated and we were on our way. Wonderful. “You may think I am mad, John,” I said, as we drove along the M6, “but when we get home, I’m thinking we’ll try and get to the church for Richard’s funeral early, before the cortege gets there. I can park in a disabled bay then. Not so far to walk.” Great idea – but the best laid plans…..
We came out of the house at 11.30 after a quick turn around and change of clothes, thinking we were early, only to see the cortege just passing our door. Ah, well, best follow along then.
The church was full. Full of beautiful people who loved Richard and love his family. The tributes were very poignant and on point. The Rector led the service splendidly and we all, I think, felt moved yet uplifted by it. Afterwards, John thought he’d prefer to come home for a rest but I went along to the wake to meet up with people whom I hadn’t seen in a while. It was lovely – the atmosphere wasn’t sombre, but full of life and reminiscences of a very nice man. Glad I went.
This evening it was Quiz Night. However, contrary to our normal eagerness to join in, we both felt drained, so we baulked at the opportunity for once. Nigel has sent us the questions though, so we can do the quiz in our own time if we want! Might just do that.
42,776 people tested positive for the virus today. Who’s counting? Anyone?
136 people died in the community. 40 in the previous 48 hours in hospitals.
Admissions to hospitals in the last seven days are up by nearly 7%.
On the plus side, the population is increasingly protected by the vaccine as children aged 12 and over are vaccinated. This means that 85.6% of the population 12+ has had its first jab, and 78.7% have had both jabs.
Let us pray that the vaccination does the trick and protects us all. In the meantime, here is the beautiful Irish Blessing that the Rector offered us at the end of the service today.
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Amen to that. God bless.