Move forward 30 years, living out on 40 acres in the country and he bought a horse to rekindle that childhood dream of riding again; wind in the hair, free as a breeze, all of that! Unfortunately for brother John, not every horse is well trained, or even enjoys being ridden.

His horse was no exception. It wasn’t too long before John found the ground rising up to meet him. 

John fractured both wrists, repairable and retrievable given enough time, but it brought certain unforeseen consequences with it. John found he was unable to dress himself, feed himself, or most importantly to wipe his own ‘derriere’...that discreet French term for ‘bum’.

As John recounted this part of the story some years later I looked over at his long-suffering wife.

I could see Helen actually turn pale as she recalled in her mind the intimate details of that experience, for who else was there to tend to my brother’s ministrations but his good wife, mother of his daughters. The daughters were not about to offer assistance.

We, of course, were totally unsympathetic to his obvious discomfort; it painted an excruciating picture in our minds.

A few weeks after John’s accident, Rob came across an old farmer whose truck had broken down in the middle of nowhere. Rob stopped to help, and because he was hobbling around with a crook leg Rob decided to cheer him up with John’s tragic tale.

The old farmer rubbed his chin for a bit and then said slowly and thoughtfully ‘No worries.  I’d fix that in no time. I’d just run me dog between me legs’.

Rob drove straight home and immediately rang John, suggesting this as an alternative. Neither of them was able to speak for several minutes, they were laughing too much.

Nonetheless, my sister-in-law declared it a brilliant idea and looked very seriously at Bella, their large brown dog, sitting innocently near the door. Their daughters immediately became hysterical, but it was never a serious option of course! Everyone loved Bella far too much, probably more than they loved poor John, if the truth be known.  

Bella was excluded from any further plans and eventually the wrists mended and John was able to resume normal ablutions.  

Helen was also able to resume normal duties and continue her life without facing John’s ablutions every morning. If ever there was proof of true love ...

I’m reminded of these small hiccups in our lives as I see residents around our Village disappearing for a few days before reappearing with crutches and walking frames as hips and knees are mended and replaced. Most bones are repairable one way or another.

I can’t imagine how difficult that must be in some countries where medical facilities are still so primitive, and often no anaesthetics. How do women manage in countries under siege as some are at the moment with, for example, urinary tract infections, menstrual cycles, an ill child? Life must be a nightmare for them.

Once again I reflect on this lucky country of ours where skilled medical help is never too far away. We may have to wait for some procedures, but it will happen eventually.

Meanwhile, don’t fall off horses. It doesn’t end well.

ANNIE YOUNG