photo:  the generosity of nature, Nelson

Pearls of wisdom are sometimes sent to us at the most unexpected times and places. For instance, while TWM* is awaiting surgery at the hospital, and we are feeling somehow sad and anxious, in the rather somber common room, as we watch the evening news (equally grim), a man arrives and  sits near us. He rapidly  initiates a conversation with TWM, which goes as follows:

TWM: What brings you here?

The man: I was on holidayin the North. The other morning, I woke up feeling utterly overwhelmed. I was brought here. I have incurable lung cancer; I have six months left to live.

LG: That is a brutal  news for you.

The man: I am 86 years old; I have had a good life, I am ready to pass the torch.

And a long, wisdom-filled silence followed.

*TWM : The Welsh man