‘The Consolations of Philosophy’, Michael Parekowhai (20021)
at Auckland Hospital

Thank you for the kind comments on my Poetry Shelf post yesterday. I wrote a personal response to a news item on Morning Report on the bone-marrow transplant queues and impact on patients, whānau, medical staff.
My heart was breaking at this further example of a health system in crisis.

I have felt incredibly grateful for the transplant care I have had since June 2022.
I was prompted to write because behind every number and name there is a story, in fact a cluster of stories, lives that are being, and will be, adversely affected by Government choices.

I know speaking publicly about personal matters is draining, from the well-known figures (for example, Sam Neill and Dai Henwood and their cancer stories) to the barely known (the person with the RNZ familial link). But it can make a difference.

Maybe we try and live as normal life as possible, do as much as possible, live life to enjoy life. But yesterday made a difference to me. I am so lucky to have myriad things I choose to do that make hurdle navigation so much easier.

And speaking openly to you made a difference. I am holding onto the hope that we can make a difference to cancer care in Aotearoa, to the well being of our planet and our people, and to how we educate, guide and inspire our children to be caring, multi-skilled, creative human beings.

For the first time in a long time, I have had two good sleep nights in a row, each with two solid sleep patches. I might not be able to change my health challenges immediately but I can always nourish how I respond to them.

Thank you so much, your comments were special.

Arohanui
Paula