“Oh! Doctor, I’ve a problem”. “Oh! Goodness gracious me, how outrageous…” as Peter Seller’s song went.

The meerest breath, the intake, the start, the slightly tense inhale to answer the asked question, only those who know, truly know, can detect it, but it’s enough. This starts Joan’s own exercise routine involving numerous repetitions of simple things to maintain and improve her physique. Breathing for example, her anaerobic rate increases, her fingers and arm wrap lovingly around the remote – lift, increase volume, lower. Raise and decrease and lower, repeat. “Get up Joan, make a cup of tea” – avoidance behaviour we can relate to, “no don’t miss a thing” so sit down again – and repeat.  Will he-won’t he call me, was that the phone, stand up, no it’s not him, sit-down, repeat. All this just from the sound of his voice – he is the man that the word mellifluous was invented!  He is her personal “Mr. Motivator” who keeps Joan’s vital organs exercised

We’re coming to an end to Covid, or are we, and one person has guided Joan through the maze of conflicting news headlines and differing medical opinions. He has been the shepherd encouraging and badgering his flock, wielding his crook (not a euphemism) when needed, and offering vistas of sunny uplands to strive to reach the Elysian plains, that will surely come to those who believe.  One more push and we’re there.  And he’s sexy…

He was there striking a Vesta when the tunnel needed a light, he was the minister to our spiritual and physical needs, the voice of calm reason amidst the confusing clamour of panic and selfish behaviour. He was the unflappable face of encouragement and calm, of solace and reason.  He was the one who said “don’t go on holiday” – and she didn’t!

He is…

• Mark

• Drakeford – Mark Drakeford, First (and only) Minister of Wales. “It’s the voice” she says… he’s your “toy boy” her son tells her.

Things are returning to normal, but the three of us now have to overcome the psychological comfort blanket that we have endured on Joan’s behalf to shield her and ensure that she didn’t contract Covid. We need to get to the shops, and so does Joan, we need to encourage her to enjoy again the life she had.

Mark has been very good, by the way!  Always a clear picture, nicely argued and confident in his decision making.