I had two consecutive appointments at our major hospital yesterday. I was there from 12.30 to 4.45. One doctor was a customer at my workplace but of course I didn't remember him, nor him me.
Today I have my six monthly skin cancer check at 12, then a CT scan back at the hospital at 1.00.
Friday I have an appointment at 9.15 with my GP, mainly to to get more repeat medications for ongoing issues. My GP met Ray just this year and I am sure he will be sympathetic when I tell him my Ray is no longer. I can stretch this grieving widower out for longer yet.
Before Ray said he did not want a funeral, he did suggest a couple of songs for his funeral. No one has done it better than Judy Garland.
But Iz Kamakawiwo'ole's recording is quite simple and just so nice.
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Marvelous music choices. I hope all your appointments are undramatic.
ReplyDeleteBoud, skin cancer doctor always finds 'a spot of concern', 'and she did. 'With abundant caution', she will do a biopsy.
DeleteRay was obviously a man of taste and discrimination (which you know). I hope the medical appointments go well.
ReplyDeleteEC, he certainly was as you describe. Look who he chose as a partner!
DeleteGood luck with the skin cancer check, and the medication check up/review. I am sure it will all be fine.
ReplyDeleteI had always wanted the Beatles (John Lennon) song "In My Life" played at my funeral but have now opted for direct cremation instead with no service.
JayCee, I had to check and after a few bars, yes I know the Beatles song and it is very appropriate. You are doing as Ray did, but we still had a memorial gathering, much the same as what happens at a funeral.
DeleteAre you getting good reports from your doctors?
ReplyDeleteI love both Over the Rainbow and Wonderful World. Beautiful songs. And Iz's version...wow.
Sandra sandracox.blogspot.com
Sandra, kind of. These things to sort out take time and our public hospitals are so thorough. One required operation, low risk, a number of appointments. The public hospital is incredibly well organised but there can be waits for less important matters. At least I don't have to pay anything. The private system might be quicker, but even with private health insurance it is so expensive to use.
DeleteIf you're of a mind, take a listen to Eva Cassidy's 'Over The Rainbow.' Lovely ...
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rd8VktT8xY
I listened to a bit Bob and her voice is good. It is ok but I am not fussed on the way she had changed it.
DeleteYou had a full day of tests and appointments! The songs are lovely
ReplyDeleteCT scan today Roentare. In and out of the Alfred in half an hour.
DeleteI like the songs. It is impossible for me to wrap my head around the fact that Iz has been gone for 27 years.
ReplyDeleteHas he really been dead that long. I know nothing of him aside that he is dead. It was fairly clear that he would not live to an old age. Nice that he is so well remembered.
DeleteHis wife is passionate about Hawaiian culture (as was he) and she works to keep his legacy and the culture alive.
DeleteYou can't beat a nice day out at the hospital. Always remember to take a camera and a picnic. Assuming that you will die in the distant future I wonder what songs you will request? A slow acoustic version of "Waltzing Matilda" might be nice.
ReplyDeleteYP, it may not be that distant. I feel very mortal at the moment. I've heard an acoustic version of Waltzing Matilda and I quite liked it.
DeleteLike you, I still prefer Judy's version, but Iz Kamakawiwo'ole's "Over the Rainbow" has a charm all its own.
ReplyDeleteKirk, yes, the Iz version is light and sweet.
DeletePerfect timing.. consoling music for Ray's funeral. Thank you for sharing that.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hels.
DeletePerfect songs. You are not "playing" the grieving widower ... you ARE the grieving widower so accept all the warm fuzzies anyone will give you and use the opportunity to talk about Ray. I wish we had all had the opportunity to have met him in more detail but understand his desire for anonymity.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with all the medical stuff. It becomes more and more a part of our lives as we march (or hobble) through life.
Merlot, I fell like I am playing a role, in an unreal situation. I may well take up L's offer in spring. I am thinking of a road trip for perhaps two weeks. I need to be sure of my financial situation before deciding. Yes, we have to get used to medical appointments.
DeleteI do hope you can make that road trip. You won't need much other than petrol money!
DeleteI will, nightly accommodation and meals, aside from staying at L's.
DeleteI’ve always loved Iz’s version of Over the Rainbow. Bunyip
ReplyDeleteYou knew of him, Bunyip. It is good and its hard to believe how old it is.
DeleteLovely songs Andrew. And I do hope it's one long smooth run of appointments.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
WWW, yes very smooth today. Yesterday was hard going.
DeleteYou had a busy afternoon medically Andrew.
ReplyDeleteLove that song over the Rainbow and Judy had a beautiful voice.
Fond of What a Wonderful World.
Margaret, Judy really was brilliant. Such talent.
DeleteTicking off the appointments is satisfying, so long as the outcome is good.
ReplyDeleteI rather fancy having 'We gotta get out of this place' if I have a funeral.
JB, when I think I've ticked something off, something else crops up. The Animals recording of the song? Eric Burdon scares me, but excites me at the same time.
DeleteI only go to the doctor to have a yearly check up of my eyes and that's it. Otherwise I only go when I am sick. I love the songs Ray choose !
ReplyDeleteGattina, I wasn't surprised at his choice.
DeleteVisiting the doctors is always filled with suspense wondering what problem they will uncover in you!
ReplyDeleteYes, and as we age, doctors find more and more problems.
DeleteMusic that makes me smile and cry.
ReplyDeleteSame for me, TP.
DeleteClassic and very moving song choices. Good luck with all these appointments.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
Thanks Alison. All went well.
DeleteIz's version is my absolute favourite!!!
ReplyDeleteJackie, I don't know why I didn't know about him before.
DeleteRay chose the music well. I bet there were a few tears in the room while listening to them, Andrew.
ReplyDeleteThere certainly was Pat.
DeleteA friend played a solo trumpet version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" at my mother's 2017 memorial. He stood out of sight and I teased him for being a coward when I had read my eulogy in front of the large gathering. Of course, I did remove my eyeglasses so the people were a blurry and less real presence. lol Hugs and best wishes.
ReplyDeleteThat must have been beautiful Darla.
DeleteDorothy aka Judy always raises a gentle smile
ReplyDeleteShe does John. What talent.
DeleteI made a photo montage of mum and set it to Iz Kamakawiwo'ole's song, Somewhere over the rainbow. Love his voice.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful Pixie. He was rather amazing.
DeleteGreat songs by great artists!
ReplyDeleteI really like the uke as played by Iz.
I just went on a little nostalgia trip trying to remember the name of the singer I first heard sing It's a Wonderful World. It was Ricky May, gone too soon.
You are a grieving widower and you are allowed to grieve for a good long time to come.
Take the road trip! I'm taking one in July and it will probably clean out my account but life is short
Ah, Ricky May. He died too young too. I'd forgotten about him.
DeleteI hope you are heading north for warmer weather in July, Kylie.
A good choice of music, sad and meaningful
ReplyDeleteYes Thelma. Ray would have liked them. He would have loved to be there surrounded by family.
DeleteCanciones antiguas, muy diferentes. Ambas tienen una excelente calidad.
ReplyDeleteFeliz fin de semana.
Thank you, and enjoy your weekend too.
DeleteMy dad always said "Wonderful World" made him cry!
ReplyDeleteSteve, if in the right mood, the song can trigger very strong emotions for almost everyone. The thought of the fact that it had that effect on your father could trigger you too.
Deletethecontemplativecat here. All three of those songs have such meaning. It was great to see your name, and read your writing. You had been out of the zone for a while.
ReplyDeleteThank you CC. I have been having days off blogging at times.
DeleteHope the medical appointments went off well. The songs are perfect.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pradeep.
ReplyDeleteI love that Louis Armstrong song.
ReplyDeleteIt is a classic, Strayer.
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