Let me start off with a reminder as some readers have periodically asked me to comment in these fortnightly articles on the forthcoming elections in Britain which are to be held sometime this year, the presidential elections this November in the USA or religion. However, it is a personal choice not to write about politics or religion in any of these articles and that will remain so. I would rather keep my political and religious views out of the public domain as some thoughts should be private.
Therefore, the subject matter is about how we should respect others who are unwell as nobody is in a position to make a mockery of a sick person. It was extremely unkind and cruel to see as one could not escape them the most awful comments, conspiracy theories including ‘sick’ jokes about the illness of Kate the Princess of Wales. No matter what is ones’ station in life one should never make fun and jokes about another person’s illness. What is the world coming to when the sickness of an individual is treated in such an appalling way? I hope that those internet trolls hiding behind a keyboard with their derogatory comments have some form of guilt regarding all the terrible things they placed in the public domain about Kate’s illness. No one deserves that. Frankly, why does the public need to now know what type of cancer she is undergoing treatment for? It is no one’s business and is the height of being nosey, inquisitive or to use a well-known Jamaican saying ‘faas’.
I recall one day as a child not wanting to attend primary school and mentioned to my grandmother being unwell. She soon worked out that nothing was wrong and gave me a good telling off about never to feign illness. I have always remembered that event like it was yesterday as it is indelibly etched in my memory. Perhaps that is why I had the enviable record of fourteen years without a day off sick whilst being a middle manager prior to early retirement.
What I also find deeply disturbing even on a personal level is seeing people put on social media, photos of sick relatives, friends or associates in hospital or a care home. It is the last thing that I would expect to see as surely the ill person deserves some dignity and privacy instead of being plastered all over the place. In my view it is unacceptable and wrong on every level and to be filming sick persons in their most vulnerable state and placing their images for all and sundry to see is well below the belt. Pardon the pun but it is sickening and should never happen under any circumstances.
One should never joke about another person’s sickness no matter what is their status in life and empathy should be the order of the day.
We should all treat sickness no matter how mild or serious with the utmost respect and not at any stage think it is a laughing matter. I hope those who choose to do otherwise and in particular the internet trolls as previously mentioned hiding behind the keyboard of their electronic device, personal or lap-top computer will think carefully of their negative and distasteful actions and the impact it has on those on the receiving end of their misery.
Some radio and television presenters also ought to be ashamed of the way that they spoke about the extent of Kate’s illness and the despicable way in which staff at the London Clinic allegedly tried to access her medical records truly beggars belief.
It is far better to wish someone a speedy recovery and what can often be described as ‘get well soon’ hoping that their health and well-being improves instead of making a mockery of their situation.
It is known that some people whilst unwell believe in the power of prayer, spiritual/faith healing including miracles, others hold steadfast in their belief in conventional medicines whilst some prefer herbal remedies: all of which have their place in the healing process and none should be dismissed outright.
Let me end by taking the opportunity to wish the Princess of Wales and all who are sick in mind, body and soul a full recovery.
London born Tony Kelly of Jamaican parents grew up in Jamaica and returned to live in Birmingham in 1979.
He is a graduate of Mico Teachers’ College and taught in Kingston high schools prior to working for 30+ years as a middle manager in central and local government with an emphasis on equity, equality, diversity and inclusion. He has a masters’ degree in socio-legal studies from the university of Birmingham.
For over a decade Tony has volunteered as a diabetes ambassador firstly for Diabetes UK and now for the National Health Service - Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group. A multi-award winner doing a yearly average of 150 health and well-being events, locally, nationally and internationally focusing on type 2 diabetes. He was diagnosed with this medical condition 18 years ago. However with a combination of physical activity and diet he has never taken medication thus proving with the right mindset and discipline it can be achieved.
As a diabetes advocate/activist Tony will continue delivering the message of healthy options to readers of CaribDirect.com .
