It’s many years since I last wrote a piece on my phone - certainly more than a decade; back in the very early days of this blog. But needs must and I have the time to kill … For I’m currently in hospital in France where I was first admitted almost two weeks now…
A short break there to speak to the nurses
…
In mutually broken French and English we make ourselves understood. Not that the medical details are the purpose of the post - suffice to say I have been very unwell but am recovering at pace and am in good hands. It will be fine - all in good time.
Meanwhile a friend wrote to say it was an excellent opportunity for people watching… I replied, that there’s nothing so foreign as a frenchman, for the Channel is, in many ways, wider than the Atlantic. But in truth I have a private room and the best of care, and it is the medical staff that I speak to most.
I am struck by everyone’s kindness here and its contrast to the ‘system’ which is rigorous and rules everything - though astonishingly good in its way. ( They apologised because my private ambulance to Lyon for treatment was 45 minutes late on its return). One nurse, frustrated by lack of information for me, said there’s no humanity in the hospital - she meant the processes I think. And certainly, I hope so, because she was a living example of how much there is.
In many ways I feel blessed to have fallen ill here in France, despite some bewilderment at times. A funny word to use that - blessed - for it intimates at a type of faith with which I struggle. And yet I have often used words like prayer and even Godspeed when speaking to others recently. Perhaps there is something in that … and perhaps, even in our secular world, they have meaning that is more than mere analogy or cultural carry over. I sense they do in fact.
Meanwhile the photo above is of a village near my house here. Needless to say it elicits many mirthful quips - and yet, it is a beautiful place. Indeed, I am counting the days - and the steps - till I can return.
Very soon I hope.
I thought that you had gone even quieter than usual!
ReplyDeleteA friend near Limoges says that he is glad he lives in France now for the quality of care.
I hope you are soon back home and fully recovered Mark. I am glad to hear you are having good care in France.
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky to be in France for your care. Whatever is wrong, I hope you have a full recovery and feel much better soon. Take care.
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteIt's horrible that you had to endure this issue...but on the upside, I bet your French conversation skills have improved along with your health! YAM xx
There is nothing like a horrible illness to make you both feel old, and then thankful as you recovery.
ReplyDeleteI was only in France once and I was scammed in the train station out of 100 Euros. What I remember about France is how kind everyone was to me as I cried and needed help to find my hotel.
Mark, thanks for leaving your comment and letting us know what's going on. I'm sorry you've been ill but I'm glad to see that things are improving and you are being well cared for. I loved the line "there’s nothing so foreign as a frenchman" -- ha!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to read that you've been so ill, but glad that you are experiencing good care. Being away from home when ill always adds to the discomfort, I find. It's good you have a window through which to watch life as it happens in France. As a person of faith, I will pray for healing and for comfort for you.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that you've been taken this ill, and for so long. I think I would much rather be hospitalized in France than anywhere else. Hopefully the food is better than that of US hospitals. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery back to the days before this happened.
ReplyDeleteI remember how good the French medical system was when we lived in France. Get well soon!
ReplyDeleteThank you for leaving your comment. I hope it meana you are on the mend and mind is active enough again to seek out ways of relieving the boredom of being bed bound. An English friend who fell from a ladder renovating his house in France some years ago, didn't advocate being hospitalised but said it was where he learned to speak workable French - nothing else he could do so used the time well.
ReplyDeletePlease be recovered and well soon. It seems determination will help. If you see Nancy Pelosi, wish her well, too.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and hoping you recover well. I'm sorry you have been so ill and thanks for stopping by the blog today. I too am glad you are in France. Take care.
ReplyDeleteTwo weeks in the hospital is an amazing thing. Here you can have major surgery after breakfast and be home tucked up in bed in time for supper. I hope that you are better in time for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMy best wishes that you recover soon and thoroughly, and that you will be able to be home at Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI chorus everyone else's good wishes here for you to have a speedy and full recovery.
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely to see you back again even if you do have to use thumbs on your phone to write. It is good to hear that the French hospital is an excellent one. Kind people exist everywhere. Get well soon, and put a laptop down on your Xmas list.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you're in good hands, Mark and on the road to recovery. Thanks for commenting with your news over at mine and I hope you'll be home (wherever that may be under the circumstances) soon x
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