in the waxing and waning of lifeas the sea of tranquillity transformswith the fast approaching misfortunes of poseidonbe that island of serenity in the raging stormsand pounding wavesof life's tempest…..just stand serenelyand be
The gorgeous voice of Scottish singer Barbara Dickson from the iconic Mike Batt Album – Caravans, is spinning through my mind …with her haunting voice and thoughtful, searing soul searching lyrics.
Mike Batt wrote the score, for the 1978 movie – Caravans – which was a 1978 Iranian-American film directed by James Fargo and (loosely) based on the novel by James A. Michener. The soundtrack which I have on vinyl, was the most successful element of the film, remaining a bestseller for many years after the film’s release.
The core message of the Caravan Song resonates with me at this point in my life … and whilst listening to the album yesterday, precipitated a sole searching discussion with T
“I don’t know where I’m going But I’m going”
My life at present (summed up in a sentence), moving forward, but with no definitive end point or goal at present, the horizon, or some vague mirage of one, is there, I think… I am moving on, towards some end point (I hope) but not sure what awaits or where I am going, and how I will get there.
All I do know is that I am going, but to where or what awaits, remains a mystery…
The morning sun is waiting in the sky
And I think I’m gonna break away
And follow where the birds of freedom fly
I need you give
I need to live
For the world is slowly turning
And the light of love are burning
In my eyes
Caravans
Oh, my soul is on the run
Overland
I am flying
Caravans
Moving out into the sun
Oh, I don’t know where I’m going
But I’m going
Caravans
Oh, my soul is on the run
Overland
I am flying
Caravans
Moving out into the sun
Oh, I don’t know where I’m going
But I’m going
heard you feeling downshow me where it hurts?tell me your storyso, I can share your painI to have that feeling, againof pain fast approachingfrom where you ask?from the chasm of my selflet me get upto hopefully,walk away from this painthis is not who I am,not numb to life,rather aliveto possibilities
Some of you might have noticed I have been silent/absent for a few weeks from posting. I have been processing a lot – 2018 has been a rough year; a love was lost, a few close friends/colleagues passed away (natural causes, in the line of duty and some took their own lives), work has been mentally & emotionally draining in The DRC with very little off time for rest and respite, plus writers block has hit me of late, although the writings that do emerge are filled with far to many dark thoughts & silent screams skirting the shadows of my mind. So I have withdrawn, not processing on social media, but in private, so many emotions & thoughts circle the shadows of my mind, trying to focus on the positive & write happy thoughts, but my writing is still skirting the dark.
I do know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and the progression of healing takes time, and one must just learn to be patient with one’s self, and allow the healing to take place. I want to thank the few close friends who have been there for me … Thanks T, and a few others ….
The Winter Edition for 2018, has hit the shelves, its live now on Ambulance Today. Click on the link below to download and read the magazine and my article on page 65.
From the Africa Desk of Ambulance Today: I’m dreaming of a happy Christmas
This magazines focus is on South America but even more importantly it is a memorial issue – sadly our Executive Editor and man behind Ambulance Today Declan Heneghan sadly passed away on the 28th of November.
IN MEMORIAM: DECLAN BRYAN DOMINIC HENEGHAN
(1965-2018)
There is so much to say about this edition and Declan, as he is Ambulance Today… read the messages of remembrance form across the globe … he will be sadly missed .
The article on Burnout: A silent threat in the prehospital care service (page 37) is close to my heart.
“A fascinating analysis as to the contributing factors is offered. The more aware we are of the nature of our obstacles, the better equipped we are to either navigate or avoid them!”
To all the followers of this page, if you want to see an article written about any specific aspect of Emergency Care on the African continent, or get me to interview a key role player, drop me a mail. Equally, if you have any news items you would like us to run either in our magazine or on our daily-updated global ambulance news website please make contact.
To my fellow passionate EMS friends across the world, I trust you are enjoying this journey, as we continue to explore this fascinating continent. Till then be safe out there and stay passionate – Enjoy!