Unfortunately we start 2010 with some sad news with the death of my uncle in the early hours of this morning. He had developed some complications following his heart attack and although moved to ITU with maximum support he was just not strong enough. I drove mum into Edinburgh last night and we saw him in ITU looking peaceful and not distressed. All my family, including his four children, always meet on the 2nd January so we are going ahead as normal as a celebration of his life.
From my own perspective 2009 has been a wonderful year with so many new achievements, new adventures - lots of hard work but an equal amount of fun and laughter. My health has gone from strength to strength and my lung function is at an all time high - and I reached that target of breaking the 100% mark. Where to go now?! The sinuses and joints are still a pain (literally) but I have appointments in the pipeline for getting on top of this in 2010. Then there will definitely be no stopping me :-) I thought I would again summarise the year in pictures - 2009 in snapshots.
January: we started the new year on a high - had a lovely celebration and were so grateful for the year we had just had. I had the fundoplication surgery and wasn't too well afterwards so I decided to scrub the rest of January and start my 2009 in February :-)
Me and mum new year 2009
February: A big month for me - I went back to work after 18 months waiting and recovering from the transplant. I was so nervous - no need to be because I loved it from the second I was back. We also had the murder mystery party - going back in time...
March: Andrews 30th birthday and his surprise trip to Berlin - the first trip abroad since my transplant. It was cold and wet but we enjoyed ourselves never the less! We also had a race night for his birthday - first time I have been able to organise any celebration for Andrew. I also started working a casual PBL facilitator which I have found is something I really enjoy. It is a job where I am meant to be quiet and not talk much though - this has been a new skill I am still trying to learn ;-) March was also when the CF and Relationships booklet was published - after 3000 copies being distributed to all the CF units in the UK I have recently heard they had to do another print run because it was so popular - I think that makes me a published author or something?!
Me all wrapped up at Check Point Charlie
April: A big big month of celebration!! Starting with mums 60th with lots of surprise trips for her including a trip to see my Aunty Rose down south and a day out in London. Followed by my 30th birthday and 1st transplant anniversary which of course called for a big party! Then also my dads 65th birthday on the same day as my anniversary - what a celebration we had. I was also delighted when my good friend Lucie had her first baby - a wee boy called Reuben to whom I will become one of those pretend aunties :-)
30th cake - me as a little person
Transplant party (one of the cakes is dad's!)
Mum with Corey on her surprise trip to London
May: The biggest month of the year - Team Jac! 170 members of Team Jac walking 12 miles in the pouring rain - raising almost £26, 500 for Live Life Then Give Life. One of my biggest achievements to date! There was so much organisation but it was definitely worth it. It was lovely to have Emily up for the day and I was overwhelmed by the support of family and friends on the day - all showing up and creating a wonderful atmosphere despite the weather.
June: A wonderful trip to Nice - I loved it and I loved the fact I could relax and enjoy it - walking around, no problems coping with the heat and feeling well. I also had my job interview on my return from Nice and thankfully was offered the position - a big step forward in my working life.
July: A trip down to London with my friends - we have been invited down to visit my friend so many times but I haven't been able to go before. We stayed an extra couple of nights and caught up with all my old flatmates who now work and live in London. I so much enjoy meeting up with friends!
August: Another big month for me - starting a new job as a Staff Grade which meant much more responsibility and a steep learning curve. I was very nervous but I feel I have risen to the challenge and although I am still learning I have come a long way since starting this new job. I also became the official Live Life Then Give Life Advocate for Scotland. I have some grand plans if only I can find the time to do them!
September: This was a difficult month with both Frances Ann's anniversary and birthday - on the background of settling into a new job I did have an emotional time and found myself missing her very much. However we ended the month with a family holiday to Tuscany which was a nice closure on a difficult few weeks - so many holidays this year with my ongoing excuse of making up for lost time ;-) I also ran my first organ donor desk with my friend Lucie - and I think it was pretty successful. If only one life can be saved through our efforts then it is well worth while.
October: A month of being a social butterfly - two weddings, a 40th birthday party and a
masked party - wow I was exhausted but so happy I could keep up the pace (almost!)
November: Mum's first charity auction in over 10 years which was a huge success making nearly £3000 for the Butterfly Trust. I made lots and lots of cards and butterfly charms which all sold out. I also managed to somehow win the cashmere teddy bear! Also the fantastic news that my cousin Kelly Ann had her first baby - a wee boy called Jake.
December: Christmas celebrations began (although I started mine in late October haha). I went to my first work Christmas party in many years and also met up with friends for dinner and had the traditional meet up with my oldest friends on Christmas eve. The day itself was a wonderful day - and also a magical white Christmas!
So there it is - a snapshot of 2009 and I am pretty tired even thinking about it all! I have no idea what 2010 will bring but I will be grabbing every opportunity that passes my way. We have a big family holiday in April - myself, Andrew and both our mums and dads. We are off to Florida!! I have been planning this one since before my transplant and can hardly believe it is actually happening. I have not planned another walk for this year (need some more time to organise that one again!) but am mulling over some fundraising ideas. Who knows where work will take me? I have some more decisions to make this year regarding this but I have the feeling things will somehow just work out the way they are meant to. I have been working away on the next CF booklet and myself and Emily will be moving along to the writing up stage early this year.
Again, in this new year I always think of my donor and the life she has given me - please spare a thought or prayer for her family at this time of year. I am lucky and blessed and absolutely convinced I have two guardian angels. So on that note, 2010 here I come....
Myself and Emily at the bus station having a hot chocolate before the big walk!
Seb as Team Mascot
We made it - wet, cold but happy (honest!)
June: A wonderful trip to Nice - I loved it and I loved the fact I could relax and enjoy it - walking around, no problems coping with the heat and feeling well. I also had my job interview on my return from Nice and thankfully was offered the position - a big step forward in my working life.
Myself and Andrew with the 'petit' train in Nice
July: A trip down to London with my friends - we have been invited down to visit my friend so many times but I haven't been able to go before. We stayed an extra couple of nights and caught up with all my old flatmates who now work and live in London. I so much enjoy meeting up with friends!
August: Another big month for me - starting a new job as a Staff Grade which meant much more responsibility and a steep learning curve. I was very nervous but I feel I have risen to the challenge and although I am still learning I have come a long way since starting this new job. I also became the official Live Life Then Give Life Advocate for Scotland. I have some grand plans if only I can find the time to do them!
September: This was a difficult month with both Frances Ann's anniversary and birthday - on the background of settling into a new job I did have an emotional time and found myself missing her very much. However we ended the month with a family holiday to Tuscany which was a nice closure on a difficult few weeks - so many holidays this year with my ongoing excuse of making up for lost time ;-) I also ran my first organ donor desk with my friend Lucie - and I think it was pretty successful. If only one life can be saved through our efforts then it is well worth while.
October: A month of being a social butterfly - two weddings, a 40th birthday party and a
masked party - wow I was exhausted but so happy I could keep up the pace (almost!)
Kenny and Jen's wedding
November: Mum's first charity auction in over 10 years which was a huge success making nearly £3000 for the Butterfly Trust. I made lots and lots of cards and butterfly charms which all sold out. I also managed to somehow win the cashmere teddy bear! Also the fantastic news that my cousin Kelly Ann had her first baby - a wee boy called Jake.
December: Christmas celebrations began (although I started mine in late October haha). I went to my first work Christmas party in many years and also met up with friends for dinner and had the traditional meet up with my oldest friends on Christmas eve. The day itself was a wonderful day - and also a magical white Christmas!
Seb the poser
On top of the world!
So there it is - a snapshot of 2009 and I am pretty tired even thinking about it all! I have no idea what 2010 will bring but I will be grabbing every opportunity that passes my way. We have a big family holiday in April - myself, Andrew and both our mums and dads. We are off to Florida!! I have been planning this one since before my transplant and can hardly believe it is actually happening. I have not planned another walk for this year (need some more time to organise that one again!) but am mulling over some fundraising ideas. Who knows where work will take me? I have some more decisions to make this year regarding this but I have the feeling things will somehow just work out the way they are meant to. I have been working away on the next CF booklet and myself and Emily will be moving along to the writing up stage early this year.
Again, in this new year I always think of my donor and the life she has given me - please spare a thought or prayer for her family at this time of year. I am lucky and blessed and absolutely convinced I have two guardian angels. So on that note, 2010 here I come....
Posts
5 comments:
Hi Jacqueline, Here's to another fantastic year!!! What a super blog, and a super year. We have really enjoyed being here with you and Andrew and your mum and dad to bring in 2010. We were so very sorry about your uncle and know how hard it's been for everyone, especially at this time of year. On a positive note we are looking forward to another year of good health for us all! We are very excited about our holiday to Florida and can't wait. We never cease to be amazed by what you achieve now and wish you and Andrew and wee Seb a wonderful 2010.lol Anne xxxxxx
Hello, I am sorry to hear about your uncle. Although I read your blog when you update its lovely to see such a great year in snapshots and no doubt very inspiring to anyone who has thought about joining the list but hasn't gotten around to it.
Hoping you have a fantastic 2010 and beyond :)
Hi,
firstly sorry to hear about your uncle,
love looking through all your pics - what a fantastic year! really inspiring! Here's to 2010 x
Hi Jac, really sorry to hear about your uncle. Hope today was a happy celebration of his life and not too sad.
Hope 2010 is as amazing as 2009 has been for you :-)
xxx
Hey darlign...I have really enjoyed seeing your 2009 in pics. You look and sound amazing...each blog post you can hear the strength and independence that you've gained! I am very sad to hear about the death of your uncle, thats so tragic. Please let me know if I can do anything to help you and your family during this sad time hunny. 2010 sounds like its going to be jam packed with fun adventures and I am glad u gonna be making time for you hun! I can't wait to come and visit you...its on my to do list for 2010. Our clinic times seem to clash sadly but I hope all your check ups and stuff are going well. 100% lung function, yup thats tiptop fab! I am very proud of you and your Team Jac fundraiser was absolutely amazing hun!! How you've balanced all the LLTGL work, writing booklets and full time work alongside being a wife and daughter is amazing. Much love always xxxx
Post a Comment