"Today is a good day. Today is a day for enjoying all those things in life that we so often take for granted when our passage is smooth and unhindered. This evening we collect my son, William, from the airport and as I haven't seen him for two years, we will spend a nice week together before Sheila and I go away to Cornwall for a summer break. While we are away, my son will be visiting his mum to spend time with her and will return to stay with me and Sheila following our return from Cornwall.
I really look forward to seeing William. When one thinks about things that really matter, all the very best things in life are free; enjoying the presence and company of loved ones, family and friends. Being able to love freely and express without fear or favour.
For some though, many of these 'best things' are not possible due to ill-health, long-term disability, family breakdown and social isolation.Things like being able to breathe without being anxious about the next breath, being able to eat modestly and to taste the food we digest and keep it down, being able to walk without pain in legs that implore one to stop and rest: even being able to sit down unassisted, climb a few stairs unaided, tie one's shoelaces, put on one's socks, touch one's toes or get a good night's sleep is sadly beyond the scope and reach of many!
The acquirement of proper housing, gainful occupation, adequate material provision and good health is beyond the realm of so many people in society today. To have these is a blessing not to be ignored. They represent great treasures in our vault of fortune.
It is so easily forgotten amid the business of our daily lives, just how out of reach can be normal tasks that the able-bodied often take for granted. Add to these physical handicaps an absence of social ones like friendships, good neighbours, adequate community interests and involvement, and it becomes virtually impossible for one to feel a sense of 'belonging'. It becomes easier for a person to believe that their life has no purpose, little meaning and is devoid of all dignity. It is only such differences in the life of one person and another that enables one to gauge the disparity, measure the unfairness of their relative experience and know the wrong that exists and is perpetuated on the altar of economic growth at the expense of social justice!
A good start to every day is to look in the bathroom mirror and to say, 'Today is a good day to be alive'. A perfect introduction to every person you meet on your daily travels is, 'Good morning' and the best gift you can give them is a warm smile that greets and sends them on their way happier than before. A good introduction to any person who knocks on your door is, "Hello there; how can I help you?" which sounds so much better, more inviting and less begrudging than, "What do you want? The enjoyment of life is made so much easier once these simple things and social courtesies become observed as essential ingredients of 'good living'." William Forde: August 10th, 2017.