Thinking of Neil Ardley

CMC started papering the sitting room whilst I made my first batch of marmalade.  After a snackette I went into town for logs, sugar and to pay a cooncil bill.  I also went in past to see Malcolm at the Lynnfield.
Then to  the Balfour Hospital to visit Davie.  In the past 18 months he’s been in Aberdeen on dialysis for several very long sessions, broken his hip, has lost 5” in height because of bone cancer, and has lost all feeling below his waist.  He has just returned from another long session in Aberdeen Infirmary.  He used to be able to administer his own chemotherapy, but those days are past as the concoctions have to be administered under a stricter regime. It’s humbling to speak with him.  He speaks very phlegmatically with his usual calm manner.  Despite of everything he’s been through he still retains an interest in everyone and everything.  It’s very tough on Karen.  They are currently having the house altered so he can go home with a wheelchair and a support package.
 
I took him in some A’bunadh which he really welcomed.