I'm glad you had such a good visit with your grandfather. You should maybe consider writing up his experiences. I don't mean to suggest that you could capitalize on the tragedy, but his story would almost certainly be of interest and fascination to the rest of the world. I know I'm very intrigued by it.
Yeah, I've every intention to put it into print one day. I thought to do that even before I talked to Grandpa, and afterwards, now knowing what happened - it is a story that has to be told. One of my academic interests is the social role of the railways in New Zealand's history, so it slots into that very easily.
To put your mind at rest: My grandfather has had throat cancer for 12 years. He's had treatment for comfort the entire time. Not recovery, comfort. He's still around, and still fighting fit.
And yes, life does go too fast, my girl's 21 in two months. :)
Wow, really? That's pretty impressive. At this point, I think they're giving Grandpa only a couple of months - I don't think anybody is expecting him to hold on past the middle of the year, though if anybody's going to fight through to 2009, I think it's him. The problem is he didn't get diagnosed until it was a bit late, so that's not helping matters.
i'm really sorry to hear about your grandfather. he'll be in my thoughts. i hope something happens where, like liam's grandfather, maybe he can at least be free of pain, if he's unable to continue treatments.
on a happier note, that's cool that your dad bought bottles of wine the year you were born to keep around for your 21st. is 21 a sort of milestone over there? just curious, because that sounds more like something we'd do over here in the states since you can't legally drink until then (although i knew few people who waited until then, but i digress). i've never been a big wine drinker though, it gives me horrible hangovers/migraines on even the smallest amounts so i just don't drink it.
Thanks. Things seem pretty advanced now, but he's fighting it and the radiation treatment's helped a good deal. Whether he can keep being treated though is unknown, especially as his local hospital doesn't provide it, necessitating a flight to Christchurch.
21 is considered a milestone, but I honestly could not tell you why. I think the drinking age might've once been 21, though that was well before my time, and I think well before my parents' time too! I suppose it's still the time that a lot of people consider to be the transition to full adulthood; personally, I'd say that's the 20th, but I'm evidently in a minority.
I grew up drinking wine, i.e. I've been drinking the stuff as long as I can remember. I know for a fact I was allowed a sip or two when I was three. By the age of eight, I already had a favourite wine! So I think that really built up a tolerance. It was really cool when Dad got out the three 1987 wines.
you're welcome. that's good, i always think when the person fights it they've always got a better chance. i totally understand about some hospitals not providing treatment and things like that.
i'm not sure whether you're referring to australia or new zealand, but from googling, it looks like the drinking age has been 18 in australia since 1972, and in new zealand since 1999. it seems it was 21 in australia before that, and 20 in new zealand before that.
my dad drinks wine a little, but he can't really anymore because of health issues, and my mom can't have wine for the same reasons i can't. so really, i didn't grow up being around people drinking wine. it's kind of weird, but at least it's not like it's something i love and i really can't have it. bono and i have the same kind of reaction to it i think, and i certainly wouldn't want to be like him all the time!
Apparently in the South Island, only Christchurch and Dunedin have cancer wards that can do the radiation treatment. I suppose I'm not that surprised. Small country and whatnot.
Since 1999 in New Zealand? I find that hard to believe. I know some people have recently wanted the drinking age raised to 20, but I was always under the impression that it had been 18 during my lifetime.
I think it's funny - and daft - how Bono keeps drinking the stuff despite his reaction. No, you don't have to play the cultured rockstar, Bono! Just write some decent lyrics again, please.
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And yes, life does go too fast, my girl's 21 in two months. :)
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on a happier note, that's cool that your dad bought bottles of wine the year you were born to keep around for your 21st. is 21 a sort of milestone over there? just curious, because that sounds more like something we'd do over here in the states since you can't legally drink until then (although i knew few people who waited until then, but i digress). i've never been a big wine drinker though, it gives me horrible hangovers/migraines on even the smallest amounts so i just don't drink it.
yes, i want to see photos!
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21 is considered a milestone, but I honestly could not tell you why. I think the drinking age might've once been 21, though that was well before my time, and I think well before my parents' time too! I suppose it's still the time that a lot of people consider to be the transition to full adulthood; personally, I'd say that's the 20th, but I'm evidently in a minority.
I grew up drinking wine, i.e. I've been drinking the stuff as long as I can remember. I know for a fact I was allowed a sip or two when I was three. By the age of eight, I already had a favourite wine! So I think that really built up a tolerance. It was really cool when Dad got out the three 1987 wines.
I intend to do a photo entry today!
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i'm not sure whether you're referring to australia or new zealand, but from googling, it looks like the drinking age has been 18 in australia since 1972, and in new zealand since 1999. it seems it was 21 in australia before that, and 20 in new zealand before that.
my dad drinks wine a little, but he can't really anymore because of health issues, and my mom can't have wine for the same reasons i can't. so really, i didn't grow up being around people drinking wine. it's kind of weird, but at least it's not like it's something i love and i really can't have it. bono and i have the same kind of reaction to it i think, and i certainly wouldn't want to be like him all the time!
yay!
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Since 1999 in New Zealand? I find that hard to believe. I know some people have recently wanted the drinking age raised to 20, but I was always under the impression that it had been 18 during my lifetime.
I think it's funny - and daft - how Bono keeps drinking the stuff despite his reaction. No, you don't have to play the cultured rockstar, Bono! Just write some decent lyrics again, please.
Reply
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