As a child I was ready to read all the books there were and expected to read every book in print. Soon it became apparent that such a feat was beyond me, and, indeed, beyond anyone. However, that doesn't stop me worrying sometimes about the books I want to read, will I have time, are they the best ones to read, should I just not bother?
Consequently, on a recent visit to my local library I borrowed Lance Armstrong's two volumes of autobiography and then fretted about whether I would read them in time before going on holiday. The answer to that is that once started there was little doubt I'd finish the two books. I am fascinated by the Tour de France and, besides owning a bicycle, I have something else in common with Lance - we have both recovered from testicular cancer. Undoubtedly, my journey back from an illness that can very readily claim your life, was a lot easier than Lance's. Cancer had a much stronger grip on him than it did me before treatment began. Nevertheless, cancer is a word one never wants associated with one's life.
Many years ago I read Alexander Solzhenitsyn's Cancer Ward in which he states that "once the crab has you in its claws it never lets you go" or something like that. Well, the crab had me - and Lance - in its claws and let both of us go. For me it was a relatively straightforward operation that put me on the road to recovery, for Lance it was a combination of surgery and chemotherapy, which took its toll. Despite this he has gone on to be a multiple winner of the Tour de France - something which seems to annoy the French no end.
Anyway, next month I celebrate my silver wedding anniversary which means that next spring I celebrate the silver anniversary of being diagnosed with cancer. It's been a quarter of a century that has flashed by, but I'm still here. So that's me, Lance, and - allegedly - Hitler who are, according to comedian Robin Williams, "uniballers". Two out of three ain't bad.
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