Then the light went on...

February 2023: Vacation time to South Africa, a land beloved by both Ingrid & I. This time we were travelling with her parents as a gift from them to celebrate their 50 year wedding anniversary and what a wonderfull vacation it was. Once again my homeland never disappointed and once again new memories were made and wonder and awe delivered by a country well know to us at places we had been or never been before. Thank you Opa & Oma!

Back in Holland the ugly snake reared it's horrible head! Acute systemic arthritis attacked Ingrid's body causing severe pain and debilitation of function. Spontaneous and seemingly without reason. Here was a woman neither of us knew. WHAT IS GOING ON? Doctor's visits and changes of liefstyle and habit would not tame the fiery beast so eventually after about 6 months of trial and error she succombed to the lesser of 2 evils, heavy medication! 

We had another 3 week vacation planned for November 2023 and Ingrid wanted to be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the country that I call home. This would be another milestone vacation as it would be the first vacation with just us as a couple since we began a family. Once again what a special time we had. Almost too good to be true as we once again visited new places and one almost had the feeling that everything that one could wish for on a vacation was made to order. Perfect weather, scenery and having that get away feeling. BLISS! Thank you Africa!

As we like to do we sit at the kitchen table every morning and drink a cup or two of coffee (disturbing the household around 6am). We generally chat about the day before or the coming day/week. About a week after our trip Ingrid looks at her hands and says, it is starting again. I feel that the joints in my hands are becoming stiff. AND THEN THE LIGHT WENT ON... 

It has been about a month and I have not thought had any joint pain she tells me! Both of us question why and try to see cause and effect. Our conclusion, SOUTH AFRICA and the climate? It was the beginning of summer there and we are beginning our winter here in Holland. Could this be what she needs to live a painfree life? Plans were made, people were seen and serious talks were had.

The game is afoot... In less that a week we will be landing in Johannesburg and then flying on to Port Elizabeth to go stay in Cape St Francis at my brothers house to test our hypothesis. It is all to play for...