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The Winds of Change



‘Good’, says my dear friend, Jill, when I tell her that Storm Ciara means the Llanelli Half Marathon has been postponed. ‘My guardian angel is working overtime!’. Jill’s guardian angel has indeed been very busy looking after her and her loved ones lately, so I’m impressed that she’s squeezed in a few extra hours to whip up a storm which will give me another four weeks to recover from my accident before I race. Bit tough on everyone else being battered by strong winds, of course, but yes, part of me is relieved. Llanelli’s one of my favourite races so I was reluctant to pull out, but a bit daunted by the prospect of running 13.1 miles just at the moment. My ribs have stopped clicking at last, but I’m afraid to sneeze without holding tight to the damaged area. So far as getting back to normal goes, my chipped front tooth has been repaired and most of my traumatised teeth have survived a ‘vitality test’ with electric pulp testing… which I have to say doesn’t half make you jump.

In happier news, we’ve been waiting with a mixture of excitement and apprehension for the arrival of our latest grandchild. My daughter, Rose, it’s fair to say, had a tough time of it the first time round so, when she went into hospital, the hours passed very slowly despite regular updates (thank you, Si). Although I convinced myself I wouldn’t sleep, when we finally took ourselves off to bed, I must have gone out like a light so had to snap to when the phone went off an hour later. I was hugely relieved to hear Si say that mum and baby were safe and well, but it took a couple of seconds for the real surprise to sink in. We have a grandson in Canada and a bevvy of five granddaughters here, so I was taken aback to hear that there was a new baby boy in the family. Many congratulations, Rose and Si, he is absolutely gorgeous and we are deeply smitten!

Happy Grandad!

And finally. 
My accident’s given me cause to think about second chances and what’s really important in life. I’m running for Team Velindre, the Hospital of Hope, in the Cardiff Bay 10k at the end of March. Any donations, however small, will go to a cancer centre which is doing so much for cancer patients and their families. Thank you.


Painting is 'Rain Setting In, Pembrokeshire Coast' by Tom Tomos.

Comments

Clare Chase said…
I'm so glad your ribs have finally stopped clicking, Chris! What a lot you've had to cope with. The tooth tests sound alarming!

Wonderful news about the arrival of your grandson though - very best wishes to all concerned. xx
10 February 2020 at 05:44
Chris Stovell said…
Thank you Clare! The tooth test is something I'll never forget! And thank you for your good wishes for our new grandson too. xx
12 February 2020 at 01:44
Elysia said…
Really enjoyed this reflective post on reconnecting and how life transitions can shape our emotional outlook. Moments of change often reveal deeper needs in our relationships and personal well-being. For couples going through challenges, seeking marriage counseling near me through Life Success Counseling can provide supportive guidance to rebuild understanding, improve communication, and strengthen connection
12 May 2026 at 07:08
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