Thinking about the best day of my life, there are two that are inextricably linked by the experience of a personal renaissance.
The first came after I was struck down with meningitis. I woke from a coma with a keen feeling of elation — a mixture of joy and yearning — hearing the music of a Beethoven violin concerto. My husband had very kindly chosen a few CDs and played them while sitting next to my hospital bed, waiting for me to come to.
It was indeed a rebirth for me and made me appreciate life, love, music, friendship and art so much more. (Thank God for the art collection at Dunedin Hospital!)
The second, but also "best day" in my life was unpacking a big cardboard box about seven or eight years ago, which had arrived from Wellington. I had grown up in a very flat area of Germany. From a very young age, I went everywhere on my bicycle, first a bit grudgingly to high school too, but very soon it was a way of life: independence, beauty and moderate exercise, which made me feel happy.
Once resettled in Dunedin, I got a pushbike, but it was too hard for me to tackle the hills. For years I felt a part of me was missing, and one that could not be found again. After talking to relatives, who had just bought electric bikes, I made the very rash decision to buy an e-bike online.
Once it was unpacked and since I have returned to gliding through life, I have not stopped smiling. It was wonderful, and I was born again!
- Inge Doesburg is a Dunedin artist and gallery owner.
