Recently I have been chasing up a couple of sickies up here in Qld., namely Ron Butcher from that other Platoon who has spent a bit of time in hospital getting his second knee done and whilst in there it was discovered that his heart beat was a bit different so he is staying in there a little longer than expected.
Whilst on the “sickie chasing” bit I decided to ring John John and find out his excuse for his non-appearance at the reunion. Rang once, heard a voice at the other end a couple of times then a click. Waited a few minutes then rang again, and there on the other end was John, but he couldn’t hear any noise despite my shouting down the phone at this end. I then reverted to an EMail and following is the reply I received:
G’day,

After a month on an increasing quantity and strength of antibiotics, and
three days (11, 12 and 13 August)in hospital, my faulty lungs were no
better, so my GP sent me to get a scan. It revealed that I have pneumonia.
Next week I am due to provide a specimen of lung content for a biopsy. All
of which sounds dire, but I’m not feeling very unwell, just lethargic and
inefficient; more than usual, that is.

For example I was thinking of you all over the reunion weekend and intended
to call you while you were at dinner on the Saturday, but I managed to fall
asleep for the duration.

I had booked accommodation at the Ocean Spray (opposite the Bowling Club),
had paid the air fares and was so looking forward to our gathering at Coffs,
then got so crook I finished up in hospital. When I got out, my GP and
Janet both insisted that I was unfit to travel and, I must admit, I was
inclined to agree at that stage.

As a consequence, we cancelled our flights and claimed a refund. We had
taken out insurance because we are both 80, with a variety of incipient
medical conditions, so thought it advisable, just in case. Now the
insurance company is baulking, despite a medical certificate from my GP as
they demanded. Could turn into a saga!

Congratulations to the team for another successful gathering of the clan.
My thanks too to Jim for his peerless leadership over so many years, to Des
for accepting the mantle, to Jenny and Ken for continuing in their roles,
and especially to you yourself for being our principal communicator for both
87 and the ATA.

Sorry about our phone. We have a couple of extensions, but the one in my
office obviously needs replacing.

Janet sends her best wishes and regrets that she didn’t get to see the girls
and boys this year.