Colour that Grey!

The New Year long weekend was a grey, dismal three days of drizzle, downpours and driving wind. While the temperatures were mild for the time of year, the dampness penetrated deeply making it uncomfortable to be outdoors. Today was the start of a shortened work week for many, and dawn broke with brilliant beauty.It is common to hear complaints about sunny weather on work days, especially when the weekends have been rainy. If I had been at home today, I probably would have missed this sunrise. The colour faded in less than fifteen minutes, and by the time I arrived at the hospital, the red bricks of the building, as well as the patient's windows, were being warmed by the rising sun.
Our treatment room is a cheerful, sunny place on a day like this making indoor lighting unnecessary. I often park a wheelchair right in the sun and tell the occupant to soak up some warmth before their therapy session.
Our dog instinctively seeks out even the smallest patch of sunlit carpet to curl up in during the day. Our bodies need the warmth of the sun as well.
Today we had several new rehab admissions from the acute care hospitals. I assessed six new patients, all with fractured hips. In our northern climate, Vitamin D deficiency is not unusual and calcium absorption is decreased without enough if this vitamin. Many of the elderly population do not take supplements and their diets are inadequate in providing enough nutrients for bone health. I had a good 45 minute walk at noon, but my winter coat and gloves, as well as the low intensity of the winter sun, would have kept me from getting enough Vitamin D from the sun. The fear of skin cancer keeps people in the shade as well, even for the short periods of time that they would benefit from the sun's rays.
I don't mind being at work on a bright day. But then, I am not in a cubicle or a windowless office either. I am fortunate to work in a building that was originally built high on a hill for patients with TB. Their only hope for a cure in the pre-antibiotic era was fresh air, sunshine and healthy food.
This old Irish blessing, full of wisdom says,

“These things I warmly wish for you
Someone to love, some work to do,
A bit o' sun, a bit o' cheer,
And a guardian angel always near”