Positive Port Alberni

I WILL LIVE EACH DAY AS IF IT WERE MY LAST!
This has been one of my favourite quotes, and I proved it last week. In my last week’s column, I was all excited about my session with a class of First Nation Youths. I have had the honour and privilege of teaching one of these classes each year, and I was excited about the prospects of being in a group where life-changing was the main purpose.
So, on Monday the 4th of April, I went down as usual for my morning exercises at Echo Centre. After doing my exercises, I then spent 40 minutes on the tread mill. This was a great morning, for I have been pushing myself, and the results are showing. The weight was going down. As I was coming to the end of my session on the treadmill, Gerry Fagan was arriving. I asked him to wait a moment while I cleaned down the treadmill, and I was off to my shower, then a little swim. I noticed that Barb Wilkins was training Shane. Out from the water, and then into the sauna for about 10 minutes. Finally to the Hot Tub. I did not have to watch the time, for I am a retired man. I must have spent about 15 minutes in the tub, for when I got out; I sat down a few minutes on the bench. By the way, there is a notice in the hot tub area warning people with heart conditions to avoid the tub. I have been doing this routine for 14 years, so I had no fear.
I then went into the change room, and I was very slow in getting on my clothes, and felt uneasy and went into the bathroom. I was perspiring profusely, and I knew I fell down. From the next cubicle, I heard a voice asking: Are you alright? I did not want to bother anyone, so I said that I was alright. All this time I was struggling to get up. I found it was Gerry Fagan who was talking to me, and with the help of another person he brought me out of the toilet and had me take a seat on the bench. He then got in touch with the Aquatic staff, and I know I was in great hands. The oxygen mask was on and I remembered Barbara saying ..”Lean on me!’ No time to think of the song. Then the aquatic time was in operation and by then they had sent for the Paramedics. I looked at all these people who came to my aid! Then I was taken straight to the Emergency at West Coast General Hospital.
Again, I cannot count the number of people who laboured to help me. Finally I was taken to my ward.
Again, here were angels of mercy attending to me. The care was excellent. I write this article to thank everyone of those angels who attended to me from Echo Centre to the West Coast Hospital. By Thursday noon, I was let out of hospital.
I cannot omit my family who were there for me all the time, and continue to be my greatest care givers.
I met so many people who were inquiring about my health. I got a lot of fingers wagging telling me to keep away from the hot tub. I have learned my lesson.
Back to my quote! Monday, April 4th could have been my last day on this earth. God was not ready for me. More and more, I live as consciously as possible. Shakespeare said: Sweet are the uses of adversity, and he is right. Out of this experience, I have learned a great lesson. The most important part of my life is in the here and now! And my mantra: I will live each moment with love in my heart. To every one of you living in this blessed community…I LOVE YOU ALL, AND THANKS FOR YOUR LOVE. That is the greatest gift that we can give to one another..
LET US CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE THE WORD AT ABBEYFIELD ON APRIL 27TH AT 6 P.M.
Come and hear the story of The Merchant of Venice, told My Gordon Scoffield. Thus far, we have heard the stories of Macbeth, and Julius Caesar. Bring along a friend and enjoy Shakespeare. I will share some verses with you, and Gordon will explain them to you. I thank those people who have taken up this challenge. Shakespeare is for everyone!