A friend called round recently and we were talking about my experience of life in hospital- which was not enjoyable. It was not enjoyable in ways that had nothing to do with the reasons for my admission. (I’ve touched on these in my last two blogs.) My friend commented on the insult of surgery / admission / trauma. I was intrigued. I would  have expected to hear about an “assault”. Not an insult. But It’s a great description. I discover that I’m furious that this has happened to me. I paid my dues. Kept fit. Went to the gym. Managed my cholesterol levels. Kept (more or les) to recommend alcohol limits. I’ve never smoked. I’ve nearly killed myself cycling. I take two energetic spaniels for an hour a day walk. I work as  a psychotherapist. Have been in my own therapy and analysis.I attend a Quaker meeting most weeks and spend a meditative hour there. I am happily married with a great group of friends. What more am I supposed to do to keep the Universe happy? And how does said Universe repay me? It nearly kills me by giving me a major heart valve that is quietly leaking and will erupt imminently resulting in my sudden and inevitable death age 62. Where’s the justice in that? What kind of universe treats people like this? (For “Universe” add  whatever word  that fits your belief system.) I want to say to the Universe “You’re having a fucking laugh. What kind of fool do you take me for if you expect me to have any confidence in you in the future?” (Or as someone else tartly observed to God “If this is how you treat your friends, no wonder you have so few.”)