The day after...

I was discharged from hospital about 12 noon the next day,  after being shown how to empty my drain. I was keen to get home to Steve and familiar surroundings. I had spent the night drifting in and out of sleep and being woken every hour initially, then every 2 hours by nurses checking my blood pressure. My blood pressure was low and causing a little concern.

Judging by the patient next to me, who had been vomiting most of the night, I came off lightly in terms of the effects of the  anaesthetic. I experienced  sickness sensations for most of the first day but other than that I was quite lucky!

I later recognised the woman that had been vomiting as someone I had seen in pre op clinic, a week before and we chatted and exchanged numbers before Steve picked me up! She had been diagnosed in July and  had chemo before her operation. She had lost her hair and seemed so strong. When she told me that she was raising her children alone through this, I knew why.  I'm thankful that Danny is grown and not experiencing this as a young child.... Having him so young was clearly meant to be x(I'm sure Aunty May wouldn't agree!)

Danny came to visit for his tea after work and It was nice that I had both my boys for the evening! It was great  seeing the banter between them and so reassuring that they get on so well.

So .... with the operation all done with ....My thoughts took me back to this time last year.....On the 23rd November 2012, I had my 40th birthday Party! This was the start of an amazing year...up until recently that is! The best thing that came from my party (besides an excellent cake - thanks Jo Jo) was the beginning of Nick and Debby's lovely relationship.

Family and friends, old and new made my party such a memorable occasion .... Lucy, my niece taught me the Gang nan style dance too!! Shortly after the party, Steve whisked me away on a surprise holiday to Mauritius where I spent my 40th birthday. Steve also proposed on the plane on the way whilst flying over Italy!

                                                  
            Look what we came home from Mauritius to!!    Thanks Jo and Franco xx

We spent New Year in Berlin, with our friends Jo and Franco .... The highlight being ; watching  Steve and Franco clinging on to dear life on the Ferris wheel , whilst Jo and I, thought it would be funny to rock the carriage!!

At work, I started an 'acting up position' as a Service Manager  in January  2013. My brother, John said I have always been good at acting up!!!  I thoroughly enjoyed the role, although maintaining a work life balance was a struggle after our Ofsted inspection in February!  I applied for the role permanently and even had an interview lined up for 31st October, however because of the diagnosis I withdrew.

Steve and I had a Brilliant ski holiday to Flaine  in the March.  I really need to get back on those slopes as Steve keeps gloating that he beat me by a fraction when we raced down the mountain. I reached 77.1 KMH!! It felt amazing!

On 12th April, My 'great niece' Sienna was born as was the delicious baby George.

                          Great Aunty Suzanne and Sienna.

On May the 10th it was Steve's 40th birthday and we went to Tuscany, with Jo and Franco on a surprise trip to celebrate his birthday. We stayed in Lucca , visited Cinque Terre, Pisa and Florence.

                            Steve and his children, Elise and Max

 The event of  the year however for me was Danny's wedding on the 8th August. The lead up to the day was amazing...The effect of Becky's excitement was like being permanently on red bull !! The day it self could not have gone any better. Danny and Becky looked great and more importantly they looked so happy together. It all felt so right!  Every time I am around them, I feel there is something just so special and unique between them. When I think back on 'life's challenges'; this day for me has
made it all worthwhile. It was the single most special day of my life! My son has met someone that loves him so much and seeing him so happy with her is truly the most satisfying thing I have ever felt.

Danny and Becky on their Wedding Day

 I had a charmed year and even though I know we have challenging times a head, my aim is to make the most of every opportunity this year, starting with tomorrow, the 26th November! You see ...4 years ago tomorrow I met Steve, aka pant man!! LYS!

I also have my birthday trip to London on the 1st December to look forward to with Steve, Danny & Becky,  and a new year mini break to Budapest !!

Lucky me...I say x x