Attending: Active listening c/o Baggini & TPM

Reading through more past issues of The Philosopher's Magazine, I came across Baggini's short contribution of Attending one of "50 New Ideas".

That Hodges' model has a role in attention must follow from its main purpose as an aide-mémoire. To 'know', to recognise that your memory has been jogged is surely to attend.

I realise that Hodges' model represents a philosophical smörgåsbord, rather like the 50 ideas in this issue.^

Baggini draws on a film for inspiration on empathy, feelings for other, humanity and moral philosophy. For Hodges' model our context can encompass media, but the focus remains empathy, ability to relate in the clinical, social care context. Attention and interpersonal skills come the fore here.

If you are not hungry, the model (smörgåsbord) can be considered as empty. This is a precondition for 'attending' - having unconditional positive regard. Apart from information that relates to the patient's, student's, and your safety the domains of Hodges' model are vacant spaces. How they are populated depends on how we attend. There are important lessons for students here. The first is their phone. Its being on their person, may impact their ability to attend to the other (person). The window to outside isn't a screen either.

 Individual
  |

     INTERPERSONAL    :     SCIENCES               

HUMANISTIC --------------------------------------  MECHANISTIC      

SOCIOLOGY  :   POLITICAL 

|

GROUP

previous experience cognitive furniture - elephants in the room (for all?) attend/attending attention active listening authenticity observation empathy - rapport therapeutic relationship unconditional +ve regard I see, I hear you ...	physical space physical environment measurements furniture - layout position / posture observation

Attending needs to be active listening. This includes all the senses, although sniffing the air is probably  best avoided - body odour may announce itself. Attention, then is synonymous with observation and in this context must span an individual's physical and their psychological presentation. You may draw social, political and spiritual assumptions, it is human to do so. Intuition has a role in healthcare but initial conclusions must be recognised as potentially premature and be verified. 

To initiate, be-in, partake-in such situations is to attend to the verbal, and non-communication; the data you already have and information communicated, including in a referral. Is this confirmed, challenged, what is your opinion? What about your colleagues? Most importantly, what does the person (patient, client... say)? What is unspoken? Do you understand? Did you seek clarification? 'Where' have you been / not been in Hodges' model? What picture is emerging at this stage?

It is gratifying that this is the first of the 50 'new' (2016) ideas in TPM #72. 

More to follow - drawing on TPM and (I think, Hodges' model as a 'philosophy? Surely not!)

Baggini, J., Attending, The Philosopher's Magazine, 1st Quarter 2016. Issue 72. pp.21-22.

TPM #72 cover image: https://ericthomasweber.org/correcting-political-correctness/

The Architecture of Care: Emergency shelters

 

The emergency shelters will last for at least 20 years.
Copyright Chiara Becattini

INDIVIDUAL

|

     INTERPERSONAL    :     SCIENCES               

HUMANISTIC --------------------------------------  MECHANISTIC      

SOCIOLOGY  :   POLITICAL 

|

GROUP

mental health / illness psychic trauma sense of security sense of (new?) place meaning: temporary - permanent?	earthquakes, natural disasters emergencies sustainable shelter Refugee shelter - design (to last 20 years, not disposable, 'C'-footprint) 2.5 million homeless Turkey  Enforced displacement
Refugees Shelter - Hope - HOME Dignity	Forced displacement war, conflict meaning: temporary - permanent? UN statistics 17 years = temporary?

Essential Homes Research Project
Giardini Marineressa, Venice, Italy. 2022 - ongoing

"An increasing number of communities are suffering the consequences of natural disasters, wars or other humanitarian crisis, forcing them to leave their homes and countries to stay in refugee camps."

My source: Heathcote, E. (2023) Norman Foster tackles the emergency shelter. FT Weekend, Venice Biennale. 20-21 May. p.5

 See also: https://www.euronews.com/culture/2023/05/24/norman-foster-designs-forward-thinking-emergency-shelter-at-venice-biennale

studium and punctum c/o Rose (2012)

'Care' as a Photograph - duality . . .

Visual Methodologies

"It is as if the Photograph always carries its referent with itself, both affected by the same amorous or funereal immobility, at the very heart of the moving world; they are glued together, limb by limb, like the condemned man and the corpse in certain tortures." [Barthes 1982: 5-6] p.121.

 "The referent is there in photographic images in ways it is not in other sorts of visual imagery, Barthes argues. And a result, he suggests that photographs can be interpreted in two ways. First, there is a level of the studium, which is a culturally informed reading of the image, one that interprets the signs of the photographs. But he says that some photographs produce a different response, which is a second kind of reading, by containing what he called a punctum. A punctum is unintentional and ungeneralisable; it is a sensitive point in an image which pricks, bruises, disturbs a particular viewer out of their usual viewing habits. And he went so far as to suggest that 'while the studium is ultimately always coded, the punctum is not [Barthes 1982: 51]. That is, there are points in some photographs that escape signifiers and shock the viewer with their 'intractable reality' [Barthes 1982: 119]. And while shock is something that most adverts aim to achieve, it is the case that recent advertising is relying more and more, not only on the transfer of meaning between signs, but on the evocation of a feeling or a mood attached to a brand that is difficult to analyse using semiological terminology." p.122.

On twitter* @h2cm over the years I've noted a certain stance, an aversion even, to generalist approaches in nursing (as suggested apparently by Hodges' model). The simplicity of Hodges' model in its template (basic) form belies how the model can address both generalist and specialist practice and theory. Bluntly: choose your domain; slice, dice and drill as you wish. 

Rose's reference to Barthes, in-particular studium and punctum stands out. We can equate the former with the situation as found, the clues provided in the referral details, the initial cues, data and information gleaned upon assessment. What might be expected, so to speak, including assumptions. 

But the punctum, may be described - interpreted in person-centred (yet professionally balanced) terms. Especially in assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation. The punctum signifies salience: what is important to this person. If the academic emphasis is upon ‘reflection in action’, ‘reflection on action’, ‘single loop learning’ and ‘double loop learning’ (Schön, 1987), can the punctum represent empathy, rapport, the sustenance of dignity and respect, an individual's sense-making? 

Our photograph, taken through Hodges' model is comprised of four frames. The photograph is  compound, and with several exposures it can be animated.^ When played, it reveals a hint, a fraction, an interval in an individual's (potential) health career. A light upon the several-fold determinants of health and their influence and impact upon life chances experienced and exercised to date - and to follow (climate change). 
 

Rose, G. (2012). Visual Methodologies: An Introduction to Researching with Visual Materials (3rd ed.). London: Sage. PB. [Now in 5th edition.] Image - Amazon.

Schön , D. (1987). Educating the reflective practitioner. San Francisco, CA: Jossy Bass. 

*Yes, I know.

^The Producer - Director depends on your Spiritual stance.

Rose (2012) now with student nurses [on placement from Chester University].

'Pad culture' ...

INDIVIDUAL

|

 INTERPERSONAL    :     SCIENCES               

HUMANISTIC --------------------------------------  MECHANISTIC      

SOCIOLOGY  :   POLITICAL 

|

GROUP

DEMENTIA SELF ORIENTATION - INSIGHT Listened to .. 'Hear me'? dignity and respect Mental capacity (awareness?) emotional distress Appears confused - Physical cause: dehydration, delirium..? [A shared convenience?: How many persons are assumed to be diagnosed with a dementia?]	in-CONTINENCE Place: [Home, Community Hospital, Residential care, Nursing Home] IT/Record systems 'Parity of Esteem' i Mental Health and Physical health 'Parity of Esteem' ii [Mental Health and Physical Health] AND Social Care Time: ASSESSMENT, Care Plan, Evaluation ...
'Pad Culture'	'My Pad' Culture - buy/sell £££ $$$ Standards of Care Nursing - Social Care policy - funding

File on 4 BBC Radio 4 21 June 2022 - 20:00hrs

Dementia: The Final Indignity

"Around 800,000 people have dementia in the UK. For those suffering from the illness, incontinence can often be seen an inevitable consequence - but that’s not always the case. Deemed as too embarrassing or taboo, it’s a topic that rarely hits the spotlight. Experts say preserving someone’s ability to go to the toilet is crucial to maintaining their dignity and quality of life and should be a priority in care settings. But is that always happening? A new report shown exclusively to File on 4 has looked at how continence care is being managed in hospitals – and how, in some cases, those who are continent are actively encouraged to soil themselves. Datshiane Navanayagam speaks to families who say their loved ones were ignored when it came to their continence needs in hospital and that the consequences have left them with health issues and requiring additional support. Nurses and medical staff say that continence training is often seen as a ‘Cinderella subject’. We also hear from dementia patients themselves about why maintaining your own dignity and independence is so crucial with this disease. With the government set to reveal a new dementia strategy this year, will continence care be placed higher up the agenda?"

Featherstone K, Northcott A, Boddington P, Edwards D, Vougioukalou S, Bale S, et al.
Understanding approaches to continence care for people living with dementia in acute hospital settings: an ethnographic study. Health Soc Care Deliv Res 2022;10(14). https://doi.org/10.3310/
QUVV2680

 
Source: Today BBC Radio 4, 21st June, 2022.

The medical model of disability c/o AdsFoundation

Individual
|

INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES

humanistic ------------------------------------------ mechanistic

SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL

|

Group

The Psychological model ...
The Social model ...	The Political model ...

 

My source:

Pleased to be able to share Lesson 1 of #LearnWithDrDog Series 3 Models of Disability

The Medical Model#LearnWithDrDog films make education in healthcare law & ethics, fun & accessible.

pls RT & share in your networks.

Feedback very welcome https://t.co/P3b5ehdhED pic.twitter.com/M5K13fYo81

— Dr Zoe Picton-Howell, Director #AdsFoundation (@PictonZoe) December 3, 2021

Hence the need for a bio-psycho-social-political model - framed with due regard for the spiritual.

Please read this post anti-political-wise ...

... but do read and reflect ...

individual

|

INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES

humanistic ----------------------------------------------- mechanistic

SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL

|

group - population

Do I leave to alert the World to what is happening, including crimes against humanity? Or ...	My location The location of my family
... Do I stay to protect my family? Race, Minorities, Ethnicity Cultural background / heritage	Human rights UN - Crimes against humanity Prosecution

Yes, the State sees me,

only too well ...

you see, my people and I -

our culture are in its sights.

Do you see me?

My source:

The News ...

Heritage Management Process: Before & After

individual

|

INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES

humanistic ----------------------------------------------- mechanistic

SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL

|

group - population

	Rio Tinto was given permission to blast Juukan Gorge 1 and 2 under Section 18 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act, despite calls to protect the two Aboriginal rock shelters. (Image: Puutu Kunti Kurrama And Pinikura Aboriginal Corporation)
Juukan Gorge in the Hammersley Ranges in Western Pilbara

My source:

Smyth, J. (2020) Rio Tinto criticised by former adviser over heritage site blast, FTWeekend, 20-21 June, p.13.

See also:
The Guardian,
Rio Tinto blasts 46,000-year-old Aboriginal site to expand iron ore mine, The Guardian.

Image source:
https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-general/aboriginal-rock-shelter-0013771

Op-Ed: Why dignified menstruation matters?

"reproductive health rights are human rights"

individual

|

INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES

humanistic ----------------------------------------------- mechanistic

SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL

|

group - population

self self-esteem  self-respect dignity FEMINITY awareness ignorance concepts personal beliefs  anxiety fear stress vulnerability  risk mental health trauma - abuse impact on education self-care self-efficacy health literacy  psychological privacy (this is my period - not my shame ...)

A matter of  human biology:  anatomy & physiology globally? Bangladesh, Nepal, India, other low and middle income countries  in South Asia menstruation, menstrual period adolescence, women of reproductive age wrong information life threatening ... menstrual hygiene  menstrual health management disaster response natural disaster, floods, cyclones, conflict, refugees cyclone shelters lighting physical security  physical access to toilets traditional materials - cloth physical privacy

even if it's yours? intergenerational factors... "When I was a girl..." Women's menstruation menstrual period  cultural and social beliefs Health literacy Health promotion negligence and whisper womanhood: dignity and respect public discussion  stereotype, ideas, taboos, stigma shame age old superstitions  life threatening harmful practices imposed to them by the family members, neighbours and the community [ Community care?! ] positive role models positive support of husbands and families social privacy

Human Rights Declaration United Nations in 1948 'dignified menstruation' UN Water water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) Disaster relief: 1. Male perspective; 2. Cultural taboo; 3. Menstrual health not in plans? power control  budgetary planning Public Health Policy Toilet facilities Provision of toilets Toilet-sewage infrastructure political privacy (do not compromise my privacy  by compromising my rights)

"All the stakeholders should explore all-inclusive 

and 

most comprehensive integrated approach 

to ensure dignified menstruation."

The Daily Observer, Why dignified menstruation matters? by PARVEZ BABUL

My source: HIFA

... and previously on W2tQ

CLEAR as a Mental Health Million...?

individual

|

INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES

humanistic ----------------------------------------------- mechanistic

SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL

|

group - population

ASK  about underlying social problems	TREAT  the immediate health problem ...
REFER to local social support resources	ADVOCATE for

Constantly rationalising; it's still the Northern summer holidays, people are away, not everyone's on twitter, the tweet's still warm, blimey - get a life ...!

I wonder how no one else can consider the very obvious 'fit' between key elements of the CLEAR initiative and Hodges' model, sufficient to consider the tweet of that post worthy of a like at least? Not a one. (There's another post perhaps..?)

Oh well... Plough on ...

The other week Mental Health Million on twitter featured a gif that caught my eye again today. This graphic provides a lesson that also incorporates CLEAR.

If we consider the ASK advice, then this supposes of course that the person, patient, client is engaged with the health professional. Engaged, to such an extent that in competency terms the professional's interpersonal skills come to the fore. It really is how we ask, and at that first encounter that is crucial.

individual

|

INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES

humanistic ----------------------------------------------- mechanistic

SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL

|

group - population

ASK  about underlying social problems	TREAT  the immediate health problem ...
REFER to local social support resources	ADVOCATE for

Although I may write about the importance of parity of esteem in mental and physical health this is often thought of in funding, research terms and the physical health of people with more chronic forms of mental illnesses who are prescribed and take long term psychotropic medication. It is not easy to envisage the extent of the challenges for patients, their families and the health and social care team. The CLEAR website notes the use of the initiative across many health contexts and hence conditions, including dementia.

The animation tweeted by Mental Health Million and their reference to the 'One in Four' statistic, highlights the complex nature of 'care pathways'.

Yes, the solutions are "out there" but the key is making them available.

No pun intended, but pathways are often taken for granted in the sense that they are CLEARed and straightforward to follow. CLEAR checks this assumption and takes a global approach. CLEAR and Hodges' model draw attention to the humanistic, the social side of medicine, health care. These are often not factored in from the outset, as a vital part of the outcome process (policy, purposes and practices).

As mental health care professionals realise that ability to 'ask' can be hard-won in terms of the patience that needs to be exercised.
The counterpoint to that is a twitter thread last week. A person with mental illness and in difficulty at that time, was suggesting that the professionals "Go Away" (not exactly the words used).

As this animation suggests, getting referred is one thing, being heard and seen is another. Getting to the point were dialogue is possible is a delicate negotiation. Mutual respect, being able to agree to disagree. Do we agree as to the type of the fruit on the tree; never mind what might be 'low-hanging'?  Whatever the perceived and actual differences we must try to reduce that distance, listen, share and make progress.

No one should have to sit, walk, Be alone if they do not want to. ...

individual

|

INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES

humanistic ----------------------------------------------- mechanistic

SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL

|

group - population

When you report an eating disorder to the medical profession, but your BMI is within *normal* range. pic.twitter.com/BCFJnnJ6yo — MentalHealthMillion (@MentalHealthMil) September 3, 2019	TREAT the immediate health problem
REFER to local social support resources	ADVOCATE for

The power of words ii

individual

|

INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES

humanistic ----------------------------------------------- mechanistic

SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL

|

group

Educate
	Re-Educate

The power of words

individual

|

INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES

humanistic ----------------------------------------------- mechanistic

SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL

|

group

veil	sur-veil

Book: The Language of Kindness

individual

|

INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES

humanistic ----------------------------------- mechanistic

SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL

|

group

The Language of Kindness

My source: Various

Fundamentals of Care - mapped to Hodges' model

I came across a paper on 'fundamental care':

Jackson, Debra & Kozlowska, Olga. (2018). Fundamental care - the quest for evidence. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 27. 10.1111/jocn.14382. 

The definition Prof. Jackson subsequently pointed to is as follows:

"Fundamental care involves actions on the part of the nurse that respect and focus on a person’s essential needs to ensure their physical and psychosocial wellbeing. These needs are met by developing a positive and trusting relationship with the person being cared for as well as their family/carers."

I've taken the fundamentals of care from the International Learning Collaborative and mapped them to Hodges' model. The psychosocial list has been divided across the two applicable domains - you'll see what I've done.

individual

|

INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES

humanistic ----------------------------------- mechanistic

SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL

|

group

PSYCHOsocial fundamentals of care Communication (verbal and non-verbal) Privacy Education and information Emotional wellbeing Choice Having values and beliefs considered and respected

Physical fundamentals of care Personal cleansing (including oral/mouth care) and dressing Toileting needs Eating and drinking Rest and sleep Mobility Comfort (pain management, breathing easily, temperature control) Safety (risk assessment & management, infection prevention, minimising complications) Medication management

PsychoSOCIAL fundamentals of care Being involved and informed Dignity Respect Education and information Having values and beliefs considered and respected Social engagement, company and support Feeling able to express opinions and needs without care being compromised Having interests and priorities considered and accommodated (where possible) Relational fundamentals of care Active listening Empathy Engaging with patients Compassion Being present and with patients Supporting and involving families and carers Helping patients to cope Working with patients to set, achieve and evaluate progression of goals Helping patients to stay calm

As this domain seems to be 'empty', I  will add some thoughts in the POLITICAL domain...  You can imagine a series of layers here.  As per the physical fundamentals above include - safety and homeostasis would be uppermost. Difficulties in the above instantly raise alarm bells and the old chestnut construct of dependency.  The lack of specifics on mental health suggests something that is incomplete and appears to assume a certain degree of functioning? The psychosocial actions invariably overlap and with the relational. We are hopefully socialised into dignity, respect, compassion, empathy and related attributes. What impacts  on a person's privacy, dignity may vary from person to person to some extent. This however introduces the humanistic care of engaging with people, their carers and the need to be person-centred. On privacy ... and preserving the integrity of an individual (and their 'group'), there are of course (duty of care and) professional standards (in this domain) that help guide our advocacy and accountability. Clearly, there is much to do..

Previous posts on 'fundamental-ism'

Every Third Thought

individual

|

INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES

humanistic --------------------------------------- mechanistic

SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL

|

group

Every Third Thought	First ...
Fourth.	Second ...

My source: Lewis, R. (2017) An immense personal insult - how the baby boomers see death. Saturday Review, The Times. p.13.

How Do I Give Bad News? c/o HospiceFoundation.ie

individual

|

INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES

humanistic -------------------------------------------  mechanistic

SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL

|

group-population

Level of knowledge and understanding empathy and rapport self-care Losses ... many forms ... shattered hopes, dreams, aspirations patient's reaction - anger, anxiety, blame, shock, helplessness, misinterpretation Acknowledge reaction diffusing anger... Respect denial of bad news awareness - understanding vulnerability It is good to use non-verbal cues to  convey warmth, sympathy,  encouragement or reassurance  to the patient. p.10. Bad news = information that affects the individual's identity - very existence -

Correct patient and family Plans to give - convey bad news - Multidisciplinary Team informed Records Telephone Bad news = information that affects the individual's future When to inform? As soon as information is known. Ensure environment - time protected, no interruptions, mobile phones ... At bedside, curtains closed, eye-level, volume of voice, deafness? Proceed at person's pace Give information in chunks Be prepared to 'fire warning shot' - 'telegraph' what may follow Diagnosis FUTURE prognosis Time and 'space' often need to be created and then protected (respected)

or that of a loved one. shock of others - family and risk of being overheard awareness - understanding social support strengths Shared resilience with acceptance A standard to use: If the person was my relative would I  have been happy with how the  news was given? p.6. How Do I Give Bad News? CULTURE & LANGUAGE INTERPRETER SERVICES

Sick child? p.16. Sudden death? p.20. Age of consent - 16 years old - 18? Right to: accurate and true information receive or not receive information decide how much information decide who should be present at consultations decide who should be informed about their diagnosis and what information they should receive Under no circumstances should you hand over personal belongings in a plastic bag. p.23.

Source:
http://hospicefoundation.ie
http://hospicefoundation.ie/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/How-Do-I-Break-Bad-News.pdf

Meaning machines - existence (c/o BBC Radio 4)

individual

|

INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES

humanistic ---------------------------------------  mechanistic

SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL

|

group

Self's Search for Meaning BBC Radio 4 purpose thought - belief - reason faith Why? meaning	What, When, Where sciences machines
FAITH	FAITH

Self-care - Self-efficacy

relies on a litany of literacies

How they are realized is another question....

LE t's GO

individual
|
INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES
humanistic ---------------------------------------  mechanistic
SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL
|
group

	LEGO disabled mini-figure

Elahe Izadi (2016) The disabled Lego figures that have sparked actual tears of joy. Independent.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/lego-disabled-figures-buy-where-shop-a6846216.html

Photo source [mirrored]: 
http://www.11alive.com/story/entertainment/2016/01/30/lego-introduces-first-figure-disability/79594686/

Lego: "If you build it, they will come"

Will they - really? I wonder and hope so...

Still much building to do ...

Out of the Shadows - Mental Illness

"How a pioneering approach to treating mental illness is helping to fight one of the world’s most neglected diseases."

Out of the Shadows


My source: Email re. an INTAR 2016 conference call.

Workforce: What binds us all together?

individual
|
INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES
humanistic --------------------------------------- mechanistic
SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL
|
group

Empathy  Rapport Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi:  "The Force is what  gives a Jedi his power.  It's an energy field  created by  all living things. ... Dignity   Respect Emotional Intelligence Open wonder PURPOSE	... It surrounds us and penetrates us.  It binds the galaxy together." http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076759/quotes PROCESS
Shared values PRACTICE Communication Mutuality Partnership Collaboration Caring	Obi Wan: "I FEEL A GREAT DISTURBANCE IN THE WORKFORCE" Illustration credit HSJ cover Malcolm Willett http://www.willett-ink.co.uk POLICY

Memories from 1977-1978

Medical (local) history II

It is quite surprising (or maybe not) the things we fail to notice in our everyday lives. Making a slight alteration to my path through the cemetery on the way down to Ashton - my home town in WN4 - I came across the gravestone photographed below.

Of course, 'surgery' in 1822 would have been radically different to that of today. In Jameson's lifetime progress was nonetheless being made on several fronts within medicine:

1796	Edward Jenner develops a method to protect people from smallpox by exposing them to the cowpox virus. In his famous experiment, he rubs pus from a dairymaid's cowpox postule into scratches on the arm of his gardener's 8-year-old son, and then exposes him to smallpox six weeks later (which he does not develop). The process becomes known as vaccination from the Latin vacca for cow. Vaccination with cowpox is made compulsory in Britain in 1853. Jenner is sometimes called the founding father of immunology.
1800	Sir Humphry Davy announces the anesthetic properties of nitrous oxide, although dentists do not begin using the gas as an anesthetic for almost 45 years.
1816	René Laënnec invents the stethoscope.
1818	British obstetrician James Blundell performs the first successful transfusion of human blood.
1842	American surgeon Crawford W. Long uses ether as a general anesthetic during surgery but does not publish his results. Credit goes to dentist William Morton.

Infoplease: Medical Advances Timeline

Posting the photo and reading this gravestone I am minded about the need for respect and given to wonder about this man and his contemporaries? Is the family still local in Ashton, are they listed in parish records? Are there other records to follow...? What specific deeds gifted him this epitaph?

"Year of his Age": is thought provoking as we carry our Age literally, individually, around us, a bubble of time. Then we try to distil this into the life story of those whose living memory's fail them, but not their families and carers.

It is remarkable to see, in stark relief, the impact of a practitioner's attitude and aptitude. A lesson from the past for all healthcare professionals. This was the case thousands, hundreds of years ago, it is the case today and must be tomorrow.

As you read this slightly weathered stone there is another lesson.
Reading each word, with aged grammar and worn clarity even the past begs us to 'listen actively': the greatest lesson of all.

Bless you Mr Jameson.


Related post:

• Medical history - I