One of the reasons I really like the James Herriot books is that he shows what a foolish person that he can be sometimes, and he does it honestly.
I really love his truthfulness and no attempt to be vain, false or a hero like so many males today try to be.
I have had many times when I have disliked myself for doing something that I would call stupid, or that I would make a mistake that I was not proud of etc.
I was relaxing this afternoon reading one of his stories and he went to visit a vet hospital and the head surgeon was this big chap who was very capable, fancy and confident. His life as a vet for small animals was very successful.
Poor Herriot went to see this man about an animal and then after the operation Granville (the vet) took Herriot for a drink at the local drinking place.
James Herriot like most of us was easily cornered into accepting his situation (some what foolishly) and got seriously drunk. When taken back to the home of Granville, James allowed Granville to talk him into eating huge pickled onions and eating whopping sandwiches that made his stomach rumble at a serious rate. The poor fellow was really suffering. he ended up going home a total mess, and was struggling to keep his composure when Granville’s lovely wife arrived from shopping in town.
It was written well, and as a funny event, and with the wonderful writing style of the author. The story was also a wonderful lesson for all of us about humbleness and other things.
The point though is that James is able to share his silly experiences with no fear of shame or worry, but instead he told it as it was, and often he is the fool in the story.
Those kinds of stories always hit my heart because for many years I greatly disliked myself for small foolish things that I did wrong, and often I would mentally punish myself for the foolish mistakes that I made.
Reading the James Herriot books showed me that I wasn’t a fool, and that human beings are not perfect. sometimes we say stupid things that we later regret, sometimes we do silly things, or we lose out temper, and it is at that time people can come down on us harshly, but the reality is that we often punish ourselves very hard and we refuse to forgive ourselves for the very same things that we would forgive others for.
Please know that you were not made to be this perfect movie star, or gangster movie type, or a mimic of anyone else, but that you are a wonderful creation who is capable of so many amazing things, and of reaching wonderful dreams, inspiring others and being a big blessing to others.
Each and everyone of us is an amazing person, a wonderful character and a human being that deserves a good healthy life.
All the best from
James M Sandbrook.
14th of january, 2015.
