Well it’s been a lovely few days and I really didn’t think I’d be able to say that in early August this year. The 2 year anniversary of the loss of Arkid on the 5th and then today should have been our 30th Wedding Anniversary, they’ve both been very much on my mind. Facebook has bombarded me with memories both happy and sad but apart from a few brief moments I’ve enjoyed smiling at the good times and sharing stories with the wonderful people in my life. Keeping those memories alive as a solid basis for a happy life going forwards.

Winding back a couple of weeks was definitely less fun, I was poorly with a gut virus that caused a lot of pain and discomfort. Those periods of illness, on my own at home, allowed my mind to head to some dark places indeed. Recalling the horrors of what proved to be fatal illness for both Dave and Jackki as my mind tormented me with just how raw and open those wounds still are. Once again though, it was looking at the present and future and the love I have found that steered me back onto a more positive path. Perhaps our minds need the lows to truly appreciate the highs?

We have just enjoyed a few days away in the van, tarnished only by the loss of 5th gear meaning our journeys were even slower than usual. It was lovely to introduce Caroline to more of my lifelong friends and then to spend time with her extended family to celebrate her Uncles 85th birthday. We have been made so welcome and been looked after so well it has been a fabulous time. Thank you so much for the warm welcome Alex and Verity, Happy Birthday Reg and congratulations to you and Sophie for being the wonderful people you are.

We spent yesterday walking on the beach and then exploring the historic dockyard in Portsmouth, another lovely day and now our thoughts turn to the slow journey home. We will overnight in the Malvern Hills to break the journey and enjoy a bit of “us” time before getting back home on Tuesday to resume the real world of work on Wednesday. The rollercoaster is running fast and true and we are having a blast.

Happy 30th Anniversary Jackki, you are with me every step of the way darling and I know you loved a good rollercoaster ride xx