Up The Farway Tree

Party Weekend!

I had my big celebration party on Saturday night - to celebrate both my 30th birthday and 1st transplant anniversary. It was also my dad's 65th birthday so I allowed him a small piece of the lime light. Just a small piece though ;-)

I treated myself to a french manicure on Saturday morning before heading to mum and dads for lunch time. My aunt and uncle were up for the party, as was Corey - so we all had a nice lunch/dinner in the afternoon. It was then a bit crazy as we all tried to get ready - myself and mum having to go to the Vigil Mass before the party as I was doing an appeal for the Team Jac fundraising. I had all my make up done before Mass and did wonder if the glittery green eye shadow was appropriate for getting up on the altar ;-) It was a quick dash to finish getting ready and then dad dropped me down at the party, with everyone else walking down. I might be able to walk without getting breathless now but I still can't walk far in high heels!

The party was great and the time flew in - I hope I managed to speak to everyone and I did try my best! I wanted to spend so much time with all my friends and family and there just wasn't enough time. I did however manage to dance....a lot :-) No breathlessness, no tiredness and no coughing. At uni I loved going out dancing but even then I didn't have nearly as much stamina and would need to sit down between songs. On Saturday I hardly sat down at all! It was a lovely night and hopefully everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. A wee thank you to all those who travelled so far to come as well - you know I really appreciate it :-)

Me and mum before the party

Me looking strangely excited about cutting the cake!

Dad getting his cake!

Me getting my tuppence worth in...

Me with Andrew and his mum and dad (Anne and John) and my brother in law Ross

Once back home it was about 2.30 am before I got to bed, and I still hadn't even had time to open all my lovely presents! I had to be up for 9am Mass though as I was speaking again and also at the following Mass. I think that gives me Holy brownie points for quite a while. I felt the talks went well and there were a few tears in the congregation. I hope I also got across the important points about organ donation, so that perhaps another life can be saved from someone making that wonderful gift. From donations made at the 3 Masses we raised an astounding £2125 which I have added to the offline total on the just giving page - taking us well over the £7000!!!!

Following Mass, I caught up with Andrews friends and then by the afternoon I finally got to open my presents! I am overwhelmed by all the lovely gifts and I also received lots of vouchers so am building up to a massive shopping spree. It's going to be a good one!! I think I should start clearing my wardrobe now in preparation. I had lots of helium balloons from the party so we stood on the veranda and let them go....I think you are allowed to make a wish so hoping that everyone's wish comes true.



We then had some dinner and headed down to Newcastle - we were so tired that I just had a shower and headed to bed as soon as I could. Up at 6.30 am this morning to get to clinic for 7.30am...talk about an early start. The bronchoscopy went well but I will not get results until tomorrow at clinic so will do a full update once I am back home. It looks promising so I am hoping for the all clear and a glowing report to round of the celebrations.