Emily Owen Member of the Board of Trustees takes over our Social
21 May 2020
Happy NF2 Day!
Emily Owen Member of the Board of Trustees takes over our Social
‘All the World’s a Stage…’ (Shakespeare)
In lockdown, my little corner of the world has become a stage, as I’ve enjoyed livestreamed - and, crucially, subtitled - plays from the National Theatre.
Humour and Pathos, Laughter and Tears, have been all been livestreamed into my home. I have to say, it’s the first time I’ve ever ‘been to the theatre’ in my dressing gown!
I’ve lifted some quotes from the plays so that, as a community today, we can celebrate the good things in life, and acknowledge the difficult: together.
https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/nt-at-home
Today, for the first time ever, the National Theatre will meet NF2.
Look out for short quotes from plays alongside short rhymes about ‘NF2 life’ on the NTUK page today, and join in with voting (just a bit of fun) after each one.
Thank you!
Emily (Trustee, who has NF2) and the NTUK team
Quote 1) Frankenstein
“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change”
“You’ve got NF2” said the doc
I remember I looked at the clock
Little did I know
How the future would go
And how much I’d hurt with each shock.
Which is easier, saying Neurofibromatosis, or spelling Neurofibromatosis?
Quote 2) Treasure Island
“Batten down your hatches.”
“You need surgery on your brain;
After it, you won’t hear again.
There’s also your face
On which damage you’ll trace”
I tried to prepare for the pain.
How old were you when diagnosed with NF2?
Quote 3) Antony & Cleopatra
“For grief is crowned with consolation.”
I gradually said my goodbyes
To hearing and smiling and ties.
And I said hello
To those who would go
Extra miles to tend to my cries.
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Choose a colour: purple or yellow?
Quote 4) A Streetcar Named Desire
“I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.”
Hospitals, they took my days
I began to learn more of their ways
How on every floor
And behind every door
People care, and never cease to amaze.
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‘Like’ and/or comment if you’re grateful to professionals/nurses/Drs who care
Quote 5) One Man, Two Guvnors
“Love yourself for who you are”
Who am I now? Wondered I
The answer’s not easy as pie
There’s lots I can’t do
But when I look through
I see the real me if I try.
Which is better, apple pie or cherry pie?
Quote 6) Jane Eyre
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will.”
I have a decision to make:
Will NF2 life from me take?
Will I let it me vanquish
Or, through tears and anguish,
Choose to be more, for my sake?
Choose a bird: parrot or eagle?
– Coriolanus"There is a world elsewhere.”
The NF2 world can seem small
It’s hard to see over the wall
Of symptoms and scans
And disrupted plans
That strive to take over all.
But if we take time out to pause
We’ll see others who’ve joined in our cause
Families and friends
Support never ends
And each person deserves our applause
"
The Curtain Closes...
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