02 February 2025, 1:00 AM
Fran James survived a major health scare recently which altered her perspective of life, in the most positive way. “I switch the news on and there are people still dying and suffering all over the world, it is a constant reminder of how lucky I am,” Fran said. “People so often complain about Hay but we are truly fortunate to live here. “Our children walk or ride to school and happily ride their bikes around the town. And whenever I or someone calls for help, people are at the ready, the town comes together to help each other.” Fran describes herself as a ‘typical stubborn German,’ ignoring the signs and pushing on. After a while though, Fran’s body decided enough was enough, and she eventually slipped into semi-consciousness. “I have no energy, but I am still here,” she said. “You’ve got to keep a positive attitude, and look at the bigger picture. Fran and her neighbour, Doris Parker, were both out the front watering their gardens at the same time. Doris noticed something wasn’t right with Fran, and insisted on taking her in her car to the Hay Hospital. Once there, Doris stayed with her, determined to get to the bottom of it. Fran was adamant she would be going home, and after an examination, Fran was allowed to return home with Doris. A few days later, Ellie Parr, one of Fran’s grandchildren, came to visit with her husband Simon and baby daughter Ava. During the visit Simon, a paramedic, became quite concerned with Fran’s health. “He told me sooner or later I was going to take a breath and that breath would not be there,” Fran said. Simon then contacted the ambulance, and they came to take Fran to Hay Hospital. “I barely remember being in the back of the ambulance but what I do remember, even in my semi-conscious state, was feeling very peaceful,” she said. When they got to the hospital they were met by Doctor Shaz, who said he knew she would be back. During Fran’s stay in hospital, the staff were very caring towards her, and she was even allowed to go home to shower, check on her Jack Russell, Little Girl. This lifted her spirits immensely. “People were really there for me, people all came together to get me through this difficult time, friends, family and medical professionals; I don’t know what I did to deserve such good people in my life,” she said. Her family all sat around the table, having come together for Fran. She looked around at her family, feeling immeasurably blessed. She was reading a book recently, and a line from that brought to her attention that Hay and surrounds are one of the flattest places in the world. “I think about that when driving over the plains, how lucky we are to live in such a special place,” she said. Fran and her second husband John came to Hay 20 years ago, and Glen Jamieson, one of her three children, came too. After a time, Fran and John decided to move away, but Glen chose to stay, and settled here. Sadly, Fran lost John five years ago. “Around that time, Glen suggested it was time I came to live in Hay where he could take care of me, and real estate was a lot cheaper at that time, so I did,” Fran said. “He dotes on me.” She managed well living independently until her health became an issue. Fran has a heartwarming perspective on the importance of being there for others, as people have been for her. “It is so important to give people a hug, to let them know you care and we are all in this together,” she said. “At the time, it may feel like something small, but reaching out to others is such a big moment, one they might remember for a long time.” Fran is hoping she will still be able to drive, and is trying hard to do everything she can to stay on top of her health. “Our hospital deserves all the praise it can get,” she said. “The staff go away to train and gain knowledge and then come back, wanting to provide their community with the best medical care and support. “They do a phenomenal job, battle with so much and fight for better conditions and wages when they should just get it; it is such a tough job.” Turning a worrying experience into something valuable is a gift Fran is determined to hold onto. “Life can be very precarious,” she said. “It is and has been really helpful for me to look at experience such as this and think, what has this taught me? “What can be gained out of this? “I feel as though this has been another step towards helping me be a better person, to care for others and remember what really matters. “I just wanted to say a big thank you to all the medical professionals, my family, neighbours and friends, I am very grateful,” Fran said. “We need to always remind ourselves we are lucky to live in such a great town and have so many good resources at our fingertips.” Fran’s experience offers a lesson we can all take on board; be proactive about your health, and remind yourself what is really important in life.