I have already made my post reminiscing about the past year and I was going to do one about what I’m looking forward to in 2015. Then Jeanette from AutismMumma tagged me to write this post and I will give it a go.
1. What was your happiest event?
Ok, there was a few, which is nice to realise considering it was such a stressful year. If I had to pick one it would be my friends wedding in May. She asked me to make her cake which was a huge privilege, but not only that, the whole day was purely magical, just as weddings should be. The weather was glorious and the venue amazing and from beginning to end we had wonderful day. Definitely a happy event to remember.
2.What was the Saddest thing to happen?
Our most devastating moment was discovering in March that Star’s first operation hadn’t worked and that she was going to have to endure major surgery. We spent a lot of time in the hospital over the year but despite our own ups and downs we couldn’t help feeling a part of the other children’s lives too. So, in reality, the saddest moment had to be when the little girl in the next bed didn’t pull through. There was not a dry eye on the ward that day.
3. What was the most unlikely thing to happen that you went ahead and did?
This is a tough one because I rarely venture out of my comfort zone and doing unlikely things is just not in my nature. Maybe that’s something I could push myself to do next year, could it be time to change habits of a lifetime?
4. Who Let you down?
This would have to be Star’s first consultant. He wouldn’t listen to me at first, thinking that Star’s problems where not as they seemed. He thought out a plan of treatment that may have worked if he’d gone ahead but he changed his mind at the last minute. Then he sent her home and forgot about her, taking her over the threshold for successful treatment. If I’m honest, it was no surprise that the first operations hadn’t worked. I’d done my research and knew it was unlikely to work because it hadn’t been performed soon enough.
5.Who Supported You?
Oh wow! We have all received so much support for our family this past year, it’s been totally amazing. From letters and cards, gifts, lifts, advice, prayers and just general support. There have been some amazing people in our lives. If I had to give a special mention it would be to our friend Julie. We’ve not known her long but the support she has given us has been really special, particularly just talking to me and my partner when we totally stressed, and helping with Star’s problems by providing us with alternatives to drugs. So thank you to everyone, and especially Julie xxx
6. Tell us what you learned.
It doesn’t matter how bad things get, it’s still possible to survive and to be happy.
7. Tell us what made you laugh.
Thankfully, there is always laughter, most of my comes from my children. I love the way Star has a sense of humour even in the most difficult of times. I love the way Boo gets words mixed up, she has us in stitches. Then there is the Little Man who can be right little comedian (when he’s not being a little monster)
8. Tell us things that made you cry
I’ve cried lots this year. It’s so hard when you have a poorly child. Each time she went under the anaesthetic in the theatre the nurses where there with the tissues ready. Then there were tears of relief as she came around again. The worst times were when we’d changed duties at the hospital and I was home alone, that’s when you have time to think.
9. Tell us three things your children did to make you feel proud
The Little Man started school for the first time this year. He has settled wonderfully and works hard.
Boo has joined the choir and made me so proud when I saw her singing in the school concert just before Christmas.
Star has made me proud just by getting through everything she has had to endure with a smile.
10. Tell us the things that made you proud about yourself
I felt proud when I stood up to the hospital and told them that I wasn’t happy with the treatment that Star was receiving. Everything changed once I spoke out and her treatment was much improved. I’m not normally the type to complain, but this was my daughter’s health and wellbeing so I had to do something.
11.Tell us the challenges you overcame
My biggest challenge was waiting the seven hours that Star was in surgery. It was really difficult and I don’t know how I held myself together. I’ve faced other challenges this year too, some still ongoing, but I’m not ready to talk about them yet.
12. Tell us the things you’d like to change about your life in 2015
2015 is going to be different. Soon, I will have all three children in full time school, I’ve not experienced that before. So, I’m going to spend more time doing things I’ve always wanted to do. I really want to do a course or two, I’m not sure what in yet, maybe I will find something I’ve not studied before, or maybe I will do something I’d really like to improve like my cake decorating or photography. I’d also like to do more walking or maybe take up some form of gentle exercise.
I’m determined to be more positive this year, it’s easy to start feeling like giving up as you get older and begin to think that your dreams might never happen, but age is just a number and dreams can happen at any time.
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I’m not going to tag anyone in this post, but please feel free to do one yourself if you wish, and if you do then please let me know so I can see your answers too.
This meme orginated with Kate on Thin Ice
It sounds like a tough year but I am glad that you were able to celebrate the positives and enjoy some proud moments with your children. It's great that you were able to stand up to the medical staff. Sometimes, things have to be said when your child's best interests aren't being met. Wising you a happier 2015.
Thank you Bek, I am certain that 2015 will be happier 🙂 And I'm lucky to be able to look at the positives in all situations x
Well done for getting through a tough year for you all and standing up for Star. Love your positivity x