Up The Farway Tree

DAY 5: A picture of somewhere you have been:

This is a view from the Empire State building in New York. We were actually trying to get up for sunset but the queue was so long it was dark by the time we got to the top!

I have chosen this picture because I got engaged in New York on this holiday. In Central Park, 10th October 2003 - doesn't seem that long ago! Of course I said yes, and it was the best decision I ever made :-)

Hopefully we will get a chance to go back sometime!

Day 6: Picture of your favourite artist:

I don't really have a favourite band/artist - in fact I have rather eclectic tastes! I do however have certain music I like at certain times, and particular songs of significance. I chose Dolly Parton for this photo because it reminds me of my transplant and the start of this amazing journey. I had her song '9 to 5' as my ring tone at the time I was called for transplant - so whenever I hear that song I think of the day I got that amazing call!! It is quite handy that it is a song I also love, especially to dance too. I like to play Dolly on the way to work sometimes, just to get me 'going' before I start the day :-) My other favourite driving music is Alabama 3 but this makes me drive very fast so I tend to avoid it now ;-)

The most exciting news is that I actually managed to book 2 tickets for Dolly's show in Glasgow - one night only!! It's on my wedding anniversary - I am very excited but Andrew isn't so sure.

Day 7: A picture of someone that has had the biggest impact on your life

My mum thinks she deserves to be written about in at least 5 categories in this challenge. She told me this - I told her she would be getting one and that is plenty!

My mum has definitely had the biggest impact on my life - after all she has made me the person I am. I thought about my transplant as something that had the biggest impact, but to be honest, I wouldn't even have got that far without my mum.

My mum taught me that CF was just something I lived with - not something that defined me. She always encouraged me to take part in everything in life - from horse riding, dancing, music lessons. She encouraged me at school without pressuring me, but also making sure I did not use CF as an excuse to take a day off when I couldn't be bothered! She delighted in every achievement, no matter how small or big. She listened every day to my detailed accounts of what happened at school and never complained. Frances Ann's accounts were along the lines of "had some subjects, not much happened, not got homework". My stories started "well the bell rang and I then went to registration class and..."

Mum sat beside me all day, every day, during the countless hospital admissions from childhood into adulthood, but she taught me to not wallow and feel sorry for myself. She comforted me when the tears would fall but dried them up and pulled me back up. She helped me understand it's not what you can't do...it's what you can.

She is convinced she more or less sat a medical degree along with me (and is frequently found to be dishing out medical advice!) but to be fair, I probably wouldn't have made it through the course without her behind me. Little cards, daily phone calls, coming and rescuing me when I really just needed to come home.

In the lead up to transplant, she had to come and look after me every single day. Trying to keep me positive and strong, when I am sure she was terrified the call would never come. Busying herself with the practical tasks around the house but always vigilant for impending emotional crisis - usually to be resolved by taking me shopping :-)

My mum would be described by others as very selfless, always doing things for other people, always trying to turn negatives into positives and being one of the best listeners I have known (although pretty good at talking too!) She has shaped the person I am and taught me important values in life which so far have served me well and will continue to do so.

My mum is my best friend.