How’s your day? Blog 113, the Penultimate
© Peter A Taylor Monday 5th September
It is a perfect sunny warm winter’s day in Auckland with my doors and windows open to the fresh air. Yesterday we returned home from an overnight stay at Miranda Hot Springs, about 1 hour drives south east of Auckland. I needed a good soak after a tough 3 days of treatment.
Sadly due to my decaying body, it will be the last trip as I ran out of oomph. In fact I have made some decisions. The recent time in hospital with the ear scrap and the liver infarct was enough to put a big NO to any further invasive action. No operations, no cuts and no pain, as I can’t do it anymore. I have a big commitment I am hanging around for.
The Cartier Bereavement Trust, which raises funds to bury HIV patients’ who have been abandoned by their families, will hold a fund raising dinner on August 31. I am the subject for ‘This is your life’, so of format. Once this commitment is met I can let go of this very tired and painful body.
But there was another reason to help my choice. You, my readers were so very generous with your in pouring of tributes after my last blog. For the first time I was overwhelmed by the numbers of people I have touched and made a difference. I have changed the status quo. I was also waiting for my final book to be published. Once all these were achieved it was clear there was nothing left for me to do on this earth.
On the day after my dinner engagement I will cease all medications and treatments and let nature take its course. The Doctors assume it will take about 5 to 10 days and whoopee I’m out of here.
You probably have not met someone so excited about parting from this world. Being wrapped in love, without fear, happy and excited about my new adventure leaves me in no doubt as to I am ready. So much to do for this trip and no packing.
While at the hospital the other day and in line for a coffee, I met a vague acquaintance.
‘How are you Pete?’
‘I’m off in about 6 weeks,’ I said
‘Where too?’ he asked
‘Where it is always sunny.’
‘Oh, you’re off to the tropics. Well have a great time.’ Then he spun on his heel with a fresh coffee as happy as jam on a sandwich.
I smiled to know that was far nicer than saying I’m dying. I guess it is how you look at it all.
So now about my last and latest book.
‘Past My Expiry Date ‘
Is an exploration of how or why I am the only person who lived with this illness. I speak of my conditioning as a child to be prepared for uncertainties and to toughen up. I also tell of the lessons I learnt on the way through this extraordinary struggle. I leave you with a huge amount of inspiration, tools that may help, a mindset that has lasted all my life and in usual Peter Taylor terms I did it all my way. Don’t sing the song. This book is strong, powerful and reflects the growth of self awareness. A small book designed as an E Book I have also published in paperback for those without the technology and like the tactility of a book as they read in bed with a cup of hot chocolate.
Your part if I’m bold enough to ask is to share it on your face book, write a testimonial or recommendation for Amazon .com and see how many people I can further touch. So many of us expect someone else to click the like button or to re-tweet. But no one usually does. This time I’d really appreciate it.
Below are the links to my books. I thank you in advance and one more blog will be written to say goodbye.
Link to Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E8AHB28
Link to Paperback https://www.createspace.com/4383315
