Morning Prayer

It's been a while but I'm still here. One year older. I wish I could say that's also one year wiser but probably not. Shame on me really. My late aunt's favourite word was "really". Everything was really, especially when she was annoyed. "Really Don" she would say, or Neil or Coinneach or even my mother could be addressed in this fashion, but never my father. I think she feared him. Or there again maybe it was him who feared her. Who knows now?

Birthday month has been busy and eventful, including a trip to see my beloved boys in Manchester. But more of that another time.

Last night my old friend Fiona took me out for dinner. We have known each other for many years. Since she was a girl and I was a boy, or thereabouts. Fiona is the most adventurous person I know. She has worked in all the worlds major trouble spots over the past thirty years. She is a nursing education expert and has helped various countries to develop their various nurse training and education systems. I forget all the places she has worked in, but she has spent five years in Rwanda, a long time in Gaza, Afghanistan and Pakistan. And other places which I forget now. Her stories are quite amazing. I'm trying to persuade her to write them down for posterity but she resists. So come on Fiona, now that I've made it public lets see you get on with it.

Now she tells me that she might be going off to work in Bangladesh for a year or two and here's me wondering whether or not to continue with my own travels. Fiona you've inspired me yet again. I think you deserve an award for all the work you've done over the years from Gaza to Rwanda and points beyond. Thank you from me for all it's worth.

Fiona told me about a wee prayer she learnt from her sister. We don't know the origin but I thought it was too good not to share it with you all. So here it is:

"Dear Lord,

So far today I'm doing all right. I've not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, hasty or selfish.

I haven't sworn; I haven't moaned or complained about anyone or anything.

But Lord I will be getting out of bed in a minute and I think I'll really need your help. Amen"