ShoutYourHeadOff

Author: shoutyourheadoff

  • What is ShoutYourHeadOff

    Shout Your Head Off? What’s it all about then?

     

    In a few words, SYHO (as we like to call it) is about freedom of speech.

     

    SYHO was founded due to frustrations with the systems that govern our lives and I wanted to basically ‘shout my head off’ at everything and to anyone that would listen. That’s how SYHO was born, so I immediately registered the domain name “Shoutyourheadoff.com”.

    I’ve built a close SYHO Team and so far we have been working undercover; gathering opinions, creating our vision and I have been bombarding the SYHO Team with my shouts via e-mail, in meetings and over the phone!

     

    Our Goal & Purpose

     

    The SYHO Team are a disparate bunch. We cover a number of tick boxes just by our age ranges alone….and our backgrounds are very diverse, BUT the vision and message of SYHO unifies us.

     

    The goal is to get everyone who wants to shout at or about something using our SYHO Platform to do so.

     

    Maybe it’s a birthday, a party, a live music gig, a book launch, or you want to start a debate? SYHO is the place to get the ball rolling. You want to record a video and upload your views? Upload an inspiring song? A thought-provoking film clip? The options are going to be endless.

     

    What’s the small print?

    Naturally, no slanderous comments, racial abuse, sexual harassment, or libellous ‘stuff’ will be permitted. The SYHO Team is about respect and we want our partners, contributors and viewers to embrace this philosophy.

    You can browse the site for free, but if you want to contribute, you gotta join and become a SYHO Member. It’s free!

     

    We want to inspire you to use your voices so they impact our community / society / country in a positive way. Hey, why not even go global. At the end of the day, we are online and accessible 24×7, by anyone in the world.

    Last but not least, the SYHO Enterprise is continually evolving and gathering momentum. We also want to hear your views and ideas. We like to think of this as the SYHO Community, so we hope you will join us on this adventure and contribute.

     

    Remember, there is a ‘shout’ for everyone. You choose the topic and get your voice listened to, not just heard!
    Spread the word and let’s get ‘SHOUTING’…

  • Cancer Changed My Life. Pt 2

    As I entered the house, my first thought was to protect Mum from my fears. Her own fragile state of mind needed careful handling. I went into the lounge and sat down. We had some normal chit chat and then I got up to make some tea and sandwiches. As I entered the lounge with a tray in my hands, I saw immediately that Mum was having an epileptic fit and was frothing at the mouth. She was semi conscious.Once again,I felt that lonely dread,but quickly gathered my emotions and rang for an ambulance.It was the 2nd of April 2007. And it was about four in the afternoon. I followed the ambulance back to the hospital that I had had only left a short time back. My mind was  racing here and there. Loneliness engulfed me.In the rush to get to Mum to hospital,I had forgotten to call a family member for help. Mitesh was in North London and Rakhi was at her college. No one could have got to me in time except my sisters or Brother. But I didn’t want to panic anyone into rushing to the Hospital in case Mum got released soon from there.

    My problems had taken a back burner. I didn’t know which way this was going to play. I had my pre assessment as well at the very same hospital tomorrow! How am I going to cope with all this and what is happening.Mum got admitted to Ward 9 west at the Hospital and she was on a drip and on oxygen. Her state of health was not good, but I had to leave her there and go home.

    Early next morning,3rd April,I attended my pre assessment for my operation to remove one of my tonsils. Everything was arranged and then I went to Ward 9 west for my visit to see how Mum was. She was sat up in bed looking a little worse for wear,but better than yesterday. I sat down next to her and was immediately lost in deep thought.What is tomorrow going to bring? How bad is the cancer ? How long ? Can’t bear the thought. I’m already worried about how my family are going to cope without me. I’m worried deeply about Mum. She doesn’t have the mental capacity to cope. Her memory is not good. She has not been able to look after herself at all without any help. She doesn’t even dress herself like she used to. And then Tish and Rakhi. What will become of them? Try as I must, I can’t dispel these negative frame of my mind. I am numb with fear but having to show bravado that doesn’t exist ! Putting on a brave face is not easy in these circumstances.But try I must.

    Late evening, I get ready to go back to an empty house.My thoughts are stuck in one place. Tomorrow, 4th April. Big day. I do my daily prayers and ask for guidance and strength to cope. I have not discussed my problems in detail with anyone as yet apart from Bipin. He knows my troubles up to a point. I haven’t told Tish or Rakhi yet.

    I arrive at the hospital and go to Ward 3. I am being prepared for the operation that will determine the type of cancer and at what stage it is. I’m lying on the operating table and the nurses are chatting away nicely at me. I can’t remember when I fell asleep after the anathestic was administered. I can remember being woken up and told to sit up. There is only a slight soreness in my throat. I’m offered a cup of tea and some toast. I’ve got to eat.I’m also a diabetic.! About midday I’m told I can leave. The operation was successful,and results should be available in a few days.The numbness in my head doesn’t go away. The negative thoughts are never ending. All I can see ahead is doom and gloom.

    As I enter Ward 9 west, I am once again forced to change my demeanour. Mum musn’t have any clue to my troubles. Her state of health hasn’t improved. She has already been here 3 days.I don’t know how much longer she will have to remain in hospital..She has many battles to overcome. And mine are just beginning !

    I’m not about to be defeated though. I’ve already accepted that I have to fight this demon and win the battle ,and come out of it to move forward in our lives. The road is a long haul and so many obstacles to overcome.

  • Cancer Changed My Life Pt 1

    When I walked out of the consultant’s room and met Bally the senior Nurse,I knew that my whole life was about to change. Nothing was confirmed. No MRI scans had been done,no blood tests nor did I feel anything at all. No illness,no temperature,no blood pressure,no nothing apart from the fact that I found swallowing food difficult.

    So Bally hands me a form to have an MRI scan within a week,and as we were coming up to the Easter bank holiday weekend,It was surprising how quickly Bally was able to arrange things. This is when I knew. As I had stepped out from the consultants room,I had known.And I was so afraid. My heart was pumping like a steam engine at full throttle.

    Suddenly, there were a million thoughts running through my mind. Thoughts of my wife whom I call Mum. A son and my Daughter. Then there were my sisters, Brothers, in-laws and the list went on. Then they were about the house. Followed by a million what ifs.

    I was dumbstruk. I got in the car and tears were welling up in my eyes. I’m asking that great Man in the heavens above..WHY me ? I was on autopilot.

    I sat behind the steering wheel,started the car and drove out of the hospital car park.

    On the way home,those thoughts running through my head were getting worse.I couldn’t possibly put them all down on paper.

    I don’t remember when I got home. But I parked the car as I usually do,half on and off the pavement. I picked up the mobile from the dashboard and instinctively dialed a number I knew would respond.

    When he picked up the phone, I immediately broke down. I couldn’t carry on.The lump in my throat felt like a large rock stuck there.It was choking me .

    He was panicking at the other end of the phone.Very controlled as always.”What is the matter,I’m coming over”.”No I said”.First words spoken since I drove from the hospital. “I think I have Cancer “

    I’m coming over” Again I said “No I need time to think. I’ll call you.”

    Are you sure,I think you need someone.”

    “I know but I need to be alone for a few minutes before going inside the house”

    ” OK ! Look if you need I’ll be there as soon as you call”

    “Thanks, I know you will, bye for now”

    And with that I ended the call. I sat for what seemed an eternity ,looking at the sky and the passing traffic. But in reality, I was there only a couple of minutes. I had to go home. I had left Mum by herself. She was ill herself and I’d been gone long enough. Time to get back to routine. I didn’t know then, but this one 20 minute appointment with Ear Nose and Throat specialist would change the course and thinking of my life ahead………………………..!

  • Daddy’s Girl

    I sit here and daydream of the future and how it seems that I can picture my wedding day

    My Daddy walking me down the aisle

    To meet my fate

    I look over at him and see a single tear

    He’s thinking he’s losing his baby

    His biggest fear

    But I love him more than ever on this day

    So I look at him and blow a kiss his way

    He has been there every single day of my life

    He has been the provider through all my struggles and strife

    I would be lost if he hadn’t shown me the way

    I don’t know that I would have made it from day to day

    I am so very lucky for all he has done

    Out of all the Dad’s he’s the best one

    I love you dad my best friend the mate,my soul, My Rock,ALWAYS

    XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Rakhi

  • Just One Day

    Just One Day

    10 years ago I was an engine

    Running on a fuel of abundance, love

    Two little innocence

    And my taker from the above

    Inside the power is strong but the,

    Evaporation around me

    Is draining me,

    Can’t find the right words

    Speech has become vigorous for me!

    So I pledge my existence

    For the exchange and patience

    I’m slowly but surely waiting

    For Just One Day.

     

    Now my trace is found

    But never felt because of the

    Bitter sweet bites

    My happiness is profound

    Now all I wait for is my Flight

    But it never comes in time

    A glance at the tick, my Grandfathers watch

    We rise from our herds, at sunset,

    To fight against

    Politics and Rocks

    So again,

    I pledge my existence

    For the exchange and mere patience

    Immensely anticipating

    For Just One Day!

     

    Rakhi Joshi

     

    Dedicated to My Father Anil Joshi.