Goodbye 2017

The kids are eating breakfast, I've got an episode of Only Fools and Horses on in the background and I'm nursing a cup of tea. I'm working a little bit later on and I wanted to gather my thoughts on this year before the chaos of a brand new year descends.

2017 has been one of our most enjoyable years in what seems like forever. The goal posts for every year is to make it past our outpatients' appointments,  and then to get through the inevitable surgery. We knew at the beginning of the year that Martha needed surgery to replace her Pacemaker generator this year and luckily we got that out of the way with at the end of March. We quietly assumed that when the next appointment came around they'd tell us she needed further open heart surgery. When we were given the amazing news in October that she was actually stable and they were happy to switch to 6-month appointments, it was like we had just won the lottery.

We've been able to enjoy nights away in Hotel's as a family, days out with our families, been bridesmaids at our best friends wedding. Osh has made the transition to secondary school and Martha Grace has started school full time, coping with the massive change incredibly well.

We've just had a fabulous Christmas, our hard work and saving throughout the year meant the kids weren't disappointed with what Santa brought them. Watching their faces light up as they opened each gift was priceless and makes all those 14 hour days at work worth it. 

If 2018 is half as good as this year, then we'll be very happy. Obviously, our main wish is that Martha Grace has another stable year and doesn't require surgery again - but we are aware that this is asking for quite a lot and will be grateful if our team are willing and able to operate if it's needed.

I'm trying different tweaks in our lifestyle and home this year, just to see if we can make life a little easier, calmer and happier. Nothing major but I'm hoping that combined they'll make a difference to the five of us.

I hope that 2018 is kind to you all, we wish you all the very best in health and happiness. Thank you all for your continued support and well wishes they go such a long way in bolstering us up on the bad days and keeping us humble on the great days.

GM

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