The Only Currency Of True Value
As we head into 2009, all of us are affected in some way by the financial gloom that has enveloped the world. It is a timely moment to reflect on Shakespeare's great and wise words from King Lear: "The worst is not so long as we can say, this is the worst..."It is all too easy to forget the only thing that actually truly matters in life, which is our health. I have one old, very dear friend and a brilliant researcher for my Roy Grace series, who has recently suffered from a stroke and is fighting bravely to recover. Another friend, not so lucky, who died of an aneurysm last weekend. And my dear mentor Fred Newman, the founder of one of the UK book world's most read publications, "Publishing News", who has supported my writing right from the very start, who died sadly some weeks ago after a long battle with cancer.
I know it is an old cliché, but health ultimately is all that really matters, the only currency of true value. What is the joy of having millions in the bank, but to be too incapacitated to enjoy it, or have only months or weeks to live?
I have often said that one of the cheeriest places I know is also the grimmest, the Brighton and Hove City Mortuary, run by the fictitious Cleo, Darren and Walter in my Roy Grace novels, and in real life by the wonderful Elsie Sweetman, Sean Didcott and Victor Sinden. They have to witness and deal with, every day, tragic victims of sudden death - and they have to give comfort to their loved ones. If any one group of people have a true right to feel gloomy all the time it is this remarkable trio. Yet they remain among the most positive and cheerful group of people I have ever been privileged to know. Here is their Christmas card which I want to share with you. If they can keep their humour and keep smiling, in the face of all they have to deal with, then so should we all. Chapeau, Elsie, Sean and Victor!
A Happy, and above all, Healthy New Year to all.
My very best to you.
Peter
Brighton and Hove City Mortuary Christmas Card front cover...
...and inside
6 Comments:
At 8:08 AM ,
jacqueline said...
Morning, I think the only thing to do is enjoy what you have while you have it. All these dreadful things that go wrong in life make you a stronger person. This year has not been so good, but next year will be alot better. What gets us through is our 2 year old daughter, she is a little ray of sunshine. Having millions in the bank would be fabulous and Peter I think you really know how to enjoy it, I love hearing about all your adventures in and out of liturature land. We are going to Milton Keynes today to ski at the snow dome and celebrate my brothers birthday and then have cocktails to bring in the new year. Have a good time Happy New Year, Jacqueline
At 2:51 PM ,
Peter James said...
Thanks so much Jacqueline.
Now your plans for New Years Eve sound great! Hope you have a brilliant evening and tons and tons of good luck for 2009. Thanks for all your kind support this year.
All very best
Peter
At 12:27 PM ,
Anonymous said...
Happy New year Peter. You are quite right about Health & Money.
You could have millions in the bank
but housebound and unable to spend a penny (pardon the pun). I have had a hard look at my lifestlye and changed it quite dramaticly as you know. But a long way to go.
Hope the chance arrives this year to meet up.
Warmest Regards
Robert P Splaine
At 5:52 PM ,
Peter James said...
Hi Robert
Thanks for the greeting and likewise a hugely Happy and above all Healthy New Year to you, after your ordeal of 2008. I hope you are now fully recovered.
I'm determined that 2009 is the year that Roy Grace will dine at your splendid establishment - accompanied of course by his creator!!!!!!!
All very best
Peter
At 6:17 PM ,
Anonymous said...
Happy Happy New Year Peter and Helen! I have managed to keep healthy (a bit too much of late)
My one fear has always been that I will loose my sight. Can't imagine not being able to read. Have already decided in the event that this would happen, Morgan Freeman can narrate all my novels!
Linda
xx
At 10:33 AM ,
Peter James said...
Happy New Year to you, too Linda!
Now Morgan Freeman to read for you, that would indeed be luxury. I love his voice - I think it is one of the most soothing and rich voices in the world.
Have a brilliant 2009
Peter
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