VN November 2022

Vetnuus | November 2022 4 And in the blink of an eye, themost beautifulmonth of the year has come and gone. From now on, it is a slippery slope to Christmas and New Year. And yes, I know, we are entering the silly season where there is a rush to complete tasks we set ourselves to do. It is like we are all trying to conclude and close the book called 2022. Only to start 2023 on a fresh new page. What I experienced this month was people with a passion. I quote Joy Harjo with the theme of gifts. In the Bible, it is stated that people are granted different talents or gifts. Not all have the same number or the same intensity. I have learned through the years that we do not know the extent or value of our gifts or talents until we explore and discover them. You may look at what somebody else may have achieved, then look at your own handful of talents, or maybe think you have none at all and may feel a little mediocre to them. But have you discovered all your talents yet? Perhaps you have not answered the call of your forte. There is greatness in everybody, but you must step out of your comfort zone to discover the extraordinary human being you are. Take this period of possible slowing down on the work side to explore some new abilities, from something creative to pushing your physical boundaries. I had the opportunity to meet people with newly discovered or well-established fortes. One of them was listening to Prof Rudolph Bigalke at the opening of the South AfricanVeterinary Museum. For 40 minutes, he could elaborate on the start of Veterinary Services in South Africa, with names, places and dates rolling off his tongue. I had never experienced him as a speaker or lecturer before, but I was mesmerised by his memory and how well he transferred his wealth of knowledge. It had me on the edge of my seat. The other person who stood out was Dr Gary Bauer. See the article on his participation and achievements at the World Field Archery Championships. He never divulges how he got into archery, but it seems he has a natural knack for it. Or did he discover a hidden talent by accident? I know of veterinarians who are excellent poets or painters (the canvas type, not just painting a room – except doing that very well is also a talent – maybe I know because I am renovating a house. I have seen people with a natural attraction to animals and the animals to them. They often become veterinarians and excel in the work they do. Sometimes they become the people who support veterinarians to do the best they can. That is also an immense talent. Never look at the hand that life dealt you and think it is inferior, IT IS NOT. Take it and play it. Have a great Pre-Christmas month. Regards, Andriette v From the Editor Editor’s notes / Redakteurs notas Andriette van der Merwe