By Steve Galea

If you see me in town and notice that my normally impeccable waving is non-existent, don’t be offended. This is not the end of an era. I just injured my elbow. 

Rest assured, as soon as I recover, I will return to the flawless waving for which I am known far and wide. And which you’ve come to rightfully expect.

My elbow injury isn’t severe. But it does affect my waving arm elbow, so my normally perfect form is more than a little off. Basically, my right elbow hurts when I wave – and that means I wince, which is not the kind of thing you would expect from a world-class waver like me. It’s unacceptable.

This not what you moved to this County to experience.

I could wave and wince, but as anyone who has ever been the recipient of one of my trademark waves knows, that’s not going to happen. Anyone who knows me knows I take my waving very, very seriously.   

Sure, I could wave with my other arm. But, frankly, I am not one of those ambidextrous showboats, who is content with just doing a passable job.

I’m just going to mail one in. 

So, you’ll have to forgive me, if I just give you a thoughtful and committed nod for the time being. 

My waving arm and elbow need a break.

 I don’t mean to make a big deal out of this. I am only speaking up because there has been some loose talk around town that I might have lost my waving mojo. And, yes, there are also those who have been waiting in the shadows, biding their time for this to happen, so that they could ascend to the pinnacle. 

To them – and you know who you are – I say stand down. For, as God is my witness, my elbow will eventually heal and I will return an even better waver.  So, if you choose to be top gun enjoy it while you can. It won’t last forever.

But know that I’m not some Johnny-come-lately to the waving game. You can’t have risen to this level of waving without experiencing this sort of heartbreak at least a few times. I may be down, but I’m not out.

My waving has always come from a very genuine place. It’s an expression of who I am.  

For some folks, waving is merely a pastime, done off the porch or from a passing vehicle. For me, it has always been a calling. When I wave, I wave from my heart and soul.

That’s why I am asking you not to wave at me as I struggle though this difficult time for us all. I know. Believe me, I know you are going to want to wave. 

But your waving will only cause me to reciprocate instinctively – and I can’t right now.

Oh sure I want to. I want to with every fibre of my being. 

But one wrong move and I’ll wave sloppily –  and you deserve so much better.  And disappointing you with an amateurish wave would hurt me far beyond tendon, joint and bone and muscle. It would scar my spirit. 

So, I beseech you once again, go easy on me. Just nod for now, if you must, or simply say, “Hey.” 

Don’t worry. These dark days will not last forever. The sun will rise again. And so will my happy, perfectly choreographed outstretched fingers, waving triumphantly in my trademark right, left, centre salutation. And then we will all smile and laugh again. 

In the meantime, thanks for your unwavering support.