As the clock announced the arrival of, Thursday, 4th December I had successfully made it to my seventieth birthday. Not something I would mention under normal circumstances, yet, because this number represented the figure that my junior school teachers had said would be the best we could hope for (Remember this was in the 1960's) it is worthy of note I feel? My family felt it was justification for a celebratory meal, and so it came to pass that on the Sunday (7th Dec) lunchtime we all gathered in the San Clu for a bite to eat and a catch up. All very enjoyable, but also a pivotal moment as everyone gathered was very concerned about my mental, and physical, well being. Now it doesn't require the IQ of Donald Trump to spot that my blogging has suffered as a direct result of my failure to address the issues I had allowed to build. I was in a very lonely, dark, place and it was only the input of my family that resulted in me seeking medical assistance. What a wake up encounter! My doctor sat me down and just let me talk. At the conclusion of this "consultation" I already felt better plus I was also able to see the error of my stupid stubbornness, in not admitting I had a problem in the first place.
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| The final "Supermoon" of 2025 coincided with my birthday and I'm rather pleased with my efforts. This being the first time that I'd used the 100 - 400 mm with the 1.4x extension tubes, manual focus and setting gleaned from YouTube |
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| My family certainly pulled out all the stops to find one of these reels for my birthday gift. An absolute classic! |
Some medication, to assist my sleep patterns, was prescribed and another meeting arranged for early in 2026, just to see how things are progressing. I'm still not right, there being niggling issues which persist, but things are certainly far more positive than before. I might manage to find the enthusiasm to offer a couple more post before the New Year but only time will tell. I have every intention of getting back to regular blog offerings in 2026 but, until then, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
So good to see you back Dylan and even better to see that you have finally accepted that you do have a problem that is now on the way to being managed by those who can help. I've spent much of my adult life trying and hoping for the peace of mind that others always seem to have and I've finally got there in my 70's. If you sit down with the right people, you will also. Good luck and a whole New Year will see you get there.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you on the upward trajectory Dyl. As the most charismatic figure I've met in my life, we need you to continue to light up any room you walk into. Carry on the good work.
ReplyDeleteOh Dyl, so sorry to hear you've been going through such a difficult time. This getting older business is a bitch, isn't it? But I'm really glad your family was there when you needed them most - they clearly love you very much. And how brilliant that your doctor actually listened. Sometimes that's exactly what we need.
ReplyDeleteI can speak from experience here, mate. I went through something very similar after health problems forced me to retire and ultimately took away my ability to walk independently. My mental state took a real battering. Like you, it was family that kept me going and helped pull me through those dark times.
I found my solace in bits of art (not very good!), photography, messing about with tech - anything really to keep my mind occupied. And of course, the grandchildren are the best medicine of all.
For you, I reckon it'll be much the same - your family, photography, fishing, those grandkids. Keep hold of those things, Dyl. They matter more than anything.
Seventy, eh? Well done for making it there, and here's to many more. I'll see you there myself soon enough!
Take care of yourself, mate.
Love Bob Wendy + Tribe
Merry Christmas Dylan. Good hear your on the mend .
ReplyDeleteLove from the midlands. Nick the eel angler.
Really pleased that you’ve got the help you need Dylan. Understandably, the loss and suffering you’ve encountered would test the resolve of any man but, hopefully, with the help of professionals and the support of a strong family network those dark clouds will gradually lift and whilst nobody ever really “gets over” the loss of a loved one, the old adage that time heals is still very true. I wish you a peaceful Christmas and a much brighter 2026. Best wishes JJ
ReplyDeleteBeen missing your blogging input , good walks with that dog when the weather allows should help . Keep jogging on and best wishes ongoing.
ReplyDeleteGlad your getting there all the best for the new year, Ron T and Olwyn xx
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday for the other week, Dylan- And Happy Christmas, too! And what a reel! That's a beauty, mate!
ReplyDeleteA Belated Happy Birthday Dyl! I too reached 70 in late December and have been through scary health issues, which were hard to cope with living on my own, But fishing and nature has pulled me through and I can see your the type that will address this by losing yourself amongst the birding, moth traps, the flatlands and impending summer fishing projects, it is not easy Dyl, but I am positive that you will find light at the end of the tunnel, apart from all that- I am missing your blogs!! Heres wishing you a Happy and healthy New year- Tight lines Phil
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