I won the Lotto, but no money!
Sometimes in the hassle and the rushing around in our lives we get stressed about so many things, like late deliveries, work colleagues even our formidable other halves, who we sometimes take for granted.
We tend to always push our mortality to the back of our minds and keep planning, and planning and aiming for so many goals. That’s me too.
However I was reminded that at the tender age of 50 (yes I know, so young, lol), that just like Michael Jackson you have no idea of when your time is up, and money or no money its not a guarantee of beating the grim reaper.
You may remember a few weeks ago I did an article about Migs being in the hospital, and while I was there I suffered a very painful experience somewhere in the body, I will let you guess.
Being practical I gave myself some antibiotics and it cleared for a few weeks, however I noticed my Lymph glands were up a few weeks later and some other symptoms made me go see my excellent doctor here in Davao City.
She sent me for tests at a local hospital, now this in itself caused me confusion as being on your own and not understanding the “pay as you go ” system I managed to miss out some of the tests even though I had paid for them.
But the tests I did have, flagged up three life changing problems and maybe life shortening too. Surprised and shocked as to be honest apart from bad eyes and a small jaw problem I have had a very illness free life and do NOT take any regular medications.
I had to take further tests and by pure coincidence all the results were available at the same time, on a Friday afternoon. My doctor arranged to meet me at 4pm but an emergency delayed her arrival and as I waited I was surprised how calm I was.
I looked out the window and the Pinoy children playing in the street imaging what life those guys would have. I watched the tricycles pass me by and as silly as it sounds now I hoped that whatever the results were I could stay here in my adopted country of choice, although I knew that it would be unlikely, as the medical costs would break me and the ability to get the treatment would be better in the UK. But still I did not want to go back to the UK.
Now I had told no one apart from Migs and my friend Steve in the UK about what was happening, and although I wanted to, I knew if I started talking about it to people I would crack up and lose the ability to listen and make decisions.
So alone I went into the office and made some joke about this is the biggest lotto, and after some pleasantries I pushed the conversation forward to get the results from my amazing doctor.
First result was clear and just a problem of old scar tissue… STRIKE ONE.
Second result was a problem but treatable and not life threatening now… STRIKE TWO.
I was so pleased but I knew I had used up all my luck now the last result, which is the most serious by far, so I had made up my mind I was going to enter the next minute of my life in fear.
She looked at me and like a Poker player gave no signs, I said “I know I am gay but if this comes in ok I will marry you.” She laughed and said she could not accept my kind offer!!
Third result ALL CLEAR!!!!!!!
Up to that point I had stayed calm, but now it was like being told tomorrow and a load of tomorrows now exist! I walked in the rain, had a coffee and phoned a delighted Migs and walked in the rain more, talking to many shocked Filipinos is a poor area of Davao, and they all knew I must be crazy, but were gracious to not tell me.
My medical insurance would have not been sufficient to get me through, and to be honest if it had gone against me I would have had to leave my adopted country, and that would have been like a slow death.
So now and myself and Migs are planning an unscheduled celebration trip to Baguio.
Hi John,
What a nerve wrecking experience,glad to hear you won lifes biggest lottery.
regards Chas.
John
Fear of the unknown.
Live it up today, tomorrow IS the unknown!
Congrats John….
It is at our age that we start worrying ….
I am glad you were smart enough to get the tests done.
Go and have a great time on your getaway…
Tyleen
Chas
I am not sure why but when it came to the waiting in the doctors for two hours, I was not nervous. I really cannot explain the feeling.
At any rate I could have kissed the Doctor and very nearly did.
Neal
I agree with living for today but my bank account has another view.
One thing for all of us to remember is that when we do go to heaven (or the other place), we cannot take our money and nor can we be responsible for the debt.
Tyleen
Am writing this on a beach resort here in La Union and its making life better.
As for age…well I am only 22,and in my mind that’s where I am staying.
John as the saying goes “HEALTH IS WEALTH”! Indeed good health is similar to winning in a lottery! Have a Good Day!
John: Glad everything is OK… Try and rest up a bit.
really you got a fortune think of all the money you saved by not haveing to go for treatments or moveing back to the UK ..money saved is more to enjoy ..glad you are all right John …Phil n Jess…( PS 22 ? hee hee you are still older then me ..i’m just 18 here )
I’m very happy for you John. I like our age bracket…we appreciate life more. Or do we really? Carpe diem!
john, glad you are well my friend …everyday we see the sun rise and every night we see the moon we all have won the lottery for we are blessed to live another day enjoy life
always be aware this life is all you have. once a mintue is gone,there is no way to get it back,no matter how much apologizing or atoning you do. there will come a time when one of you will lay down for the last time.only then will you wish you had those hours when in anger, you didn’t speak to each other.only then will you remember all the times you spent with friends while your partner waited for you,alone.only then will you remember the kind words you could have said but didn’t only then will you remember when you could have shown understanding but displayed anger. only then will you remember when your partner wanted to talk but you ignored her. only then, when you hold them for the final time, will you pray for a little more time, “please god — just one more minute”.
Hi john.
Glad your in the clear.
Im in Davao in a couple of days to visit the family and need a pimple like growth on my back removed and wonder whether you or LIP readers can recommend a suitable clinic or hospital to attend.
Like you i am in my 50’s and have had a relatively medical free life up to now so this thing is worrying me.
Any advice appreciated.
David
I have been lucky with health issues, apart from eyesight, so I was taking health for granted. Not from now on.
John
Just send me a few boxes of Whiskey…I am sure it will be ok
Phil R
One of the things I was taking into account was that most medication and services are free in UK.
But I really did not want to go back.
Roy
You mean us guys in our 20s lol
Tonka
I watched the sunset last night hit the seas of the Philippines. Did not get up for sunrise, well maybe another day.
David
Am in Baguio for a few days so not able to assist much. However a word of caution my friend Steve last year had a mole that the doctors here wanted to remove urgent and a price because it was showing signs of potential problems. He waited till he got home to UK and was told it was perfectly ok.
I had a terrible skin rash and went to doctors here and they gave me so much medicine that when I checked into it one medicine was causing another rash and some of the medicines were irrelevant.
Changed the place I was living and it was cured..I suspect bed bugs!!
I am very pleased with my local doctor and if you require her number please e mail me direct, AND GOOD LUCK TOO
Good to read that you are OK John. Sometimes, regardless of future plans we have to stop and appreciate the things we already have.
I thanked the Lord that you are “further down His waiting list” now.
Now, it is time to live life to its fullest (that’s fullest, not most foolish) so that in your final moments you can say that you don’t regret a single thing you’ve done except that you could have done each a bit more intensely!
hi John
I am assuming i can get this pimply warty thing removed in Davao by freezing so if your Dr can manage this I would appreciate her contact address…
How do i cantact you for he details..I dont have you email address.
regards.
Bob New York
Nothing concentrates the mind more than mortality.
Paul
I have crossed my name off THE LIST I think its only fair to allow others to go ahead of me,, Michael J pushed ahead of me
David
Very pleased to give you the number but you have to contact me first as I cannot get your e mail address from here.
Not possible to put a phone number on a site..but please e mail me
Hi John,
Indeed what good fortune.
I’ll be taking tea with your old Aunt Lizzie
at Buckingham on Thursday. I’ll declare the good news.
I’m sure she will be delighted.
Ta Ta
Dr Sponk Long
Tell Lizzie I have lost one of the Corgis
John
First, congrats on your health! Second I thought I would let you know that recently my wife (a Filipina) and I also won the lottery but didn’t get any money either. In fact the exact opposite happened, it cost us more money. You see, we won the baby lottery! My wife gave birth to a set of Natural triplets in Feb in Hawaii. I’d been telling people we had won the baby lottery since we found out last Oct that we were having triplets so when I saw your post I thought I would leave a comment. All the best for your continued good health
Guam Bob
Now that is a great Lotto to win, however I do think your winnings will be completely spent when they reach the Teen years.
Congratulations to you and your wife from EVERYONE on LIP.
Hi John,
Life is too short. Enjoy it like it’s the last day. I hope you will have a regular physical check-up every year now at your MJ age! It is a very good investment.
Bon voyage avec votre vacance dans la cité de baguio !
Kyrie Elison!
Toting
David – Right up at the top of every page on the site, there is a tab that says “Contact Us.” Just click on that. When you get to the e-mail form, scroll down and select “John Grant” as the recipient. Type in your contact details and your message, then click “send e-mail.” John will get your message immediately.
Thanks Bob.
Dont know how I missed it.
Job done.
Hi John,
Lizzie said ‘no worries’.
She found the lost one being kicked around in the Royal Mews.
It’s the one on the right most:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJQM5xBaRXI
Enjoy.