Kestergram number 5, ...tears all day

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Posted by Kester on Thursday, September 25, 2008

Something I am happy to share with friends.

I had my final oral exam yesterday for my degree. It was like an interrogation and I had to do it in fluent German. I made a few mistakes, you have to expect that, but I wowed my audience. They threw in a trick question to catch me out, but I batted that one right back at them.

After it had finished, I had to ask them, 'Had I passed?' They told me I was average for my ability. That was a coy way of saying, I got over 90%, as always.

So why the tears? Because I was so happy. Just over a year ago I was rushed into hospital. I had organ failure, some infection which was never properly identified. The same thing had killed my uncle a year before and he was only two years older than me. For the next few hours of my life spun between screaming my lungs out and passing out.

What happened next was a long list of operations, needles and scans. I must admit, I really believed my number was up and I cried a little. When your life comes close to ending you really appreciate every little thing you have and I didn't want to go. The few years before I lost my uncle, cousin and Grandma and my close friend, Ben. Now was it my turn? But I still hadn't visited Texas!

So why all the tears today? Because I made it, I got through it all. I lived, I recovered and I went onto study German. Although I have one more year to go in my studies, I have done so well for myself. I am nearly there. One more year to go and then onto studying computers. I have come so far because I chose to embrace life. There is so much here for me and I know what I want to be and to do in life. I want to thrive and help those around me to thrive as well.

What of my banjo playing? It does not matter how well or badly I play. I am so thankful for every note I pick or hear, a year ago I nearly had it all taken away from me.

I love my banjo because I am alive to play it.

9 comments on “Kestergram number 5, ...tears all day”

Jane C Says:
Thursday, September 25, 2008 @2:58:51 PM

I'm glad you're still here too.

Congratulations on your splendid result, well done you. : )

vortex Says:
Thursday, September 25, 2008 @6:13:34 PM

Kester, I have never met a 37 yr. old that has it all together as well as you. You be da MAN! Congratulations.

Banjobabs Says:
Friday, September 26, 2008 @12:42:59 AM

Hi Kester !

Gratuliere dir sehr herzlich!

Lebe dein Leben !

Barbara

banjotef Says:
Friday, September 26, 2008 @6:46:19 AM

Ja, mir auch! Viele gluck en alles zu tun!

muntjac Says:
Friday, September 26, 2008 @6:54:43 AM

Well done my friend, and good luck with the rest of your journey......Ian

clawfootcurt Says:
Friday, September 26, 2008 @9:39:58 AM

Kester, Wow, thanks for sharing. I admire your tenacity and courage. Maybe some of your courage and tenacity will rub off on all of us fortunate enough to read this. If you ever get to Wisconsin, better look me up.