2021 has brought some bad times.
For me, personally, the loss of my dad in October was, and still is, heartbreaking. Another surreal entry in the book of life.
For everyone, Covid still sucks and life has changed in so many ways.
I’m waiting for scan results and scanxiety is ruling my nights at the moment, despite knowing I can’t influence the outcome or how quickly I’ll be told it. I’m restless, on edge, troubled, despite not feeling any worse physically than I have before. I’ve definitely gained some muscle strength and my physical self is not as weakened as it was in the few years post treatment. Mentally I’m generally good, but remain wobbly when too much is going on. Dad’s deterioration and watching him pass away was one of the hardest experiences of my life. Unfortunately there was little time to grieve with all the ‘stuff’ that needed sorted afterwards.
But amongst all the tough times, flowers still grow. Our annual fundraiser for Macmillan in NI raised a phenomenal £4,500, despite reduced capacity due to Covid restrictions. My weekly sea dips continue to give me peace and relaxation, not to mention time with a very dear friend.
I remain spoilt with love from my incredible husband. My happiest time of this year was when we managed to get away for a short break to Jersey. On that beautiful island we forgot all our troubles, washing them away in the sea and shaking them off with long, scenic drives and peaceful walks. A very relaxing and happy time for us.
Love and good times have also been shared with our son and my sister. Not to mention my true friends…..my constants, who remain by my side. We share good times, we support each other, we live happy lives.
2022 is a big year for us. In January we have my 5 year seizureversary and our 25 year wedding anniversary. I hope to celebrate them with stable scan results.
In November I have my 20 year workversary. Getting the job I’ve done for almost two decades remains an important life landmark for me. I’m fortunate to genuinely enjoy my job……. most of the time!
We have a year full of planned reschedules. Trips and gigs a-plenty! We’ve no way of knowing what will go ahead and what will be cancelled, but there’s at least a few things in the diary that I’m looking forward to with confidence.
I genuinely believe 2022 will be better for everyone. I believe we will see continued easing of restrictions. I have great hope that future covid variants will become less dangerous and that vaccinations and treatments will improve to the point that we can go back to living life with more freedom.
So here’s to us. The survivors. Here’s to 2022 xx
