Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Clinging to life



See how this tree is clinging not only to the cliff but to life, despite having most of it's root structure exposed the leaves are green and the tree still upright.


This old winch lies dormant in Lyttelton, by the shoreline where boaties still come and go, their yachts bobbing about on the waves waiting for their next adventure. The winch a mere forgotten bystander to the past...


Around the other side of the winch, and providing shelter for a dandelion.

Any port in a storm?

A close family friend of many years is lying seriously ill in hospital. He was diagnosed with leukaemia last Monday and the specialist tells us there is no point in providing chemo, he cannot eat or walk or move without pain....the nursing staff are keeping him comfortable and have told his wife to gather the family round.

Even tho' the sun is out today the weatherperson is saying to batten down the hatches as rain, hail, sleet and snow are on the way this evening...a good night to sit by the fire, gather close those you love and just breathe...I like this song:-

9 comments:

Owen said...

Pretty incredible that the tree is still standing... but for how long ? I'm feeling incomprehension as to how someone can have leukemia to the point where it is beyond care and not have been diagnosed before ? How dreadfully sad...

The word "leukemia" never fails to remind me of the sister of a friend in high school who died a teenager from it, and also the wonderful singer/songwriter Steve Goodman, who died from leukemia in 1984 at age 36 or there abouts... after having written some simply beautiful and funny songs ... like this one :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qtHZDPoRdU

Strength and hugs to you all...

Margaret Pangert said...

Hi Saj~ So sorry about your friend and for you and his family. Your post seemed a bit melancholy to me, and now I see how fitting that is. And yet the tree is holding onto life, and the dandelion thrives on used machinery. The song was beautiful and sad all at the same time. The main singer seemed so vulnerable. And if all this isn't enough, you're expecting snow, sleet, and hail tonight! Things have a way of changing, of getting better, Saj. Lots of love, Margaret

The Sagittarian said...

Owen - ah, that song was a tonic and no mistake! Tony isn't fond of doctors so I gather that he hasn't been feeling on top of his game for some time, hence the too-late diagnosis. As for the tree, I reckon like us it will keep standing until something blows it off it's feet. The test then becomes one of getting up again...

Margaret - thank you, I know you're right of course and change happens regardless of how we feel about it! I guess it's been a tough week, I attended a funeral yesterday for 3 guys drowned on a lake recently, a friends mother died BUT our nrighbour had a lovely baby girl last Thursday and my work colleague (whose mother it was who died) has announced her own pregnancy...circle of life huh!

kj said...

ah, sag, my thoughts are with you. that dandelion there says alot about resilence. it's your eye that's "seen" that. that is your ace in the hole: you see. and that will help you ride the highs and hold on tight with the lows.

it does seem like too many difficult things happen at once. i read your comment to margaret. that is alot.

but, sag, you know the sun will come out. it always does. please be sure to tell me this when i next need it. i will appreciate being reminded.

xoxo
kj

Lynne with an e said...

The photos you posted, the subjects you found and made your own, the sheer tenacity of life that they demonstrate, are beautiful illustrations of your own spirit. And it is your own strong spirit that will see you through such difficult times. Love to you. xo

The Sagittarian said...

kj, I know you're right and I will gladly remind you of this and am thankful you asked me to. Another friend emailed to day to tell me one of her blogger friends also died today, leaving behind a 6 month old baby.

Louciao - thank you m'dear. I feel exhausted, my mum just rang to tell me Tony has passed away already. All so quick and at least he didn't linger and suffer but to dart off like this...I'll be up and running soon enough I guess. Am going out of town for the next 2 days with work....

Steve said...

Sending hugs and warm wishes. Hope they lend you a little strength at this sad time.

The Joined up Cook said...

That tree is stunning.

There is little I can say about your friend as it is so personal.

It just emphasises how important it is for ua all to make the most of whatever time we have in this world. You seem to do that.

Take care xx

Meggie said...

Love your tribute music. After all, what greater honour. XX