I immediately knew what it was

December 2002

I did all the wrong things.....

I had a couple of beers with Henry, before collecting my luggage and jumping in another taxi. I tried to make pleasant conversation, but my heart just wasn't in it. Fortunately, since we were part of a small group, my mood was less apparent.

Maggie called again, as the taxi headed towards the airport; another emotional conversation.

On the plane, I drank at least three glasses of red wine before we got airborne, the drinks are always free flowing in upper class, then two or three more with my dinner.

I fell asleep soon after, and didn't wake up again until breakfast.

When I got back to my car, which was surrounded by snow, I called Maggie to let her know that I had landed. I couldn't hold back the tears as we spoke; it was, I believe, my lowest moment. For although, I would shed tears again, in the years that followed; these are the last that were
genuine.

The next two days were a hectic mix of meetings and long journey's. Leaving the airport, I drove to my flat in London. After freshening up, I went straight to the office, and from the office I drove the 150 mile journey home.

The following morning, I was up early, driving back to the London office, only to return home again that evening, a 300 mile round trip. In two days, I spent more time in the car than I had on the plane. In a 48 hour period, I spent more than 30 hours traveling.

I did all the wrong things.....

So, what happened next was not such a big surprise; I was almost home, when I suddenly felt an incredible pain in my right leg. I immediately knew what it was.