Shine!

A massive apology to you all for going on and on about Shine....all who donated are a proper star and I love your dearly!
I did my first Shine walk in 2014 having just found out I was pregnant with Elijah (but didn't tell anyone in case they stopped me !!) I wanted to achieve a marathon but knew I'd never achieve it running as I have dodgy knees so when I saw friends put on Facebook they were doing the Shine walk I wanted in!!
Cancer is such a git that's hurt and even taken some very dear people close to me in work , family and friends that I felt useless... doing this has been a very tiny way of raising money, showing support, and enduring a little pain in solidarity of those who suffer.

Going through a marathon is an amazing experience from the preparation (which I definitely didn't do enough this time) which made me take time out to not only exercise but to get some fresh air and spend time with lovely folk walking, to the night again spending time with wonderful people. The atmosphere really was electric on Saturday hearing powerful stories, seeing the labels people were wearing in memory of loved ones, but it also is an endurance , for me it definitely wasn't a walk in the park I had to dig deep, I had to find some mental energy and I had to control my constant need to wee !!!

Since yesterday many folk have asked if I'll do it again.....never say never 😜

Vikki

The last few weeks have really taken their toll on Marc and I. Some of you know that a friend of ours Vikki passed away very suddenly at just 43 years of age. Vikki was one of the first people we met when we moved into Hoo and she welcomed us into the toddler group ..(especially Marc as I was working ) with open arms. I then had the real privilege of meeting Mark when I was asked to baptise baby Amelia who is now a gorgeous 6 year old, her and Dan went to the same prep school for a while.
Vikki was one of the kindest people I've ever met and always had time to chat, she popped into our cafe church a few times to chat through the "big" questions, we'd bump into her in the Chequers pub and have a chat there, or even passing in the street she'd stop for a chat.
When things like this happen you alway think I really should have made mroe of an effort to meet up, chat A little longer , follow a certain conversation up etc but in the moment you think you've got all the time in the world.
On Thursday I was honoured that Mark entrusted me to take Vikki on her last journey from earth into the heavenly realm in her funeral. I've never seen a crem so overflowing that people couldn't get near but instead listened to the service outside on loud speakers, so much was the love for Vikki. The service of course was a toughy full of emotion and it would  only be fair for others there to comment on it but it felt beautiful. Afterwards we spent a long time at the Chequers chatting to family and friends Sharing stories and releasing balloons.
This week has shown me how special friend s are, how fragile life is and how amazingly supportive some people have been to us... appreciate each moment, love those cLose to you and take care of those who are struggling at this time !
Love and prayer s are with you Mark and Amelia xxx

Summer

So this morning I spent the morning welcoming, supporting, moping upmtears of the new year sevens and their parents  /carers...marking the end of the school summer holidays !!!

It's been a really different summer for us...for many reasons we chose not to go away away (if that makes sense) . We had a lovely few days visiting my cousin and seeing her fringe show, seeing old school friends and climbing my mountain and doing the Vallente thing. Dan had an amazing experience going away for the first time with my folks being all grown up and living the life of Riley and then we've had a truly restful, inspiring fun 5 days at the Greenbelt festival with my amazing aunty and fab friends . These experiences have been great don't get me wrong but I'm feeling the strain of not having a block of time completely away from everything.

It's been an interesting Summer connecting with different people spending time with folk and developing friendships ...it's amazing the folk who've been around To help and support us. I love the summer and have a,ways dreaded September but there's something Reassuring about a routine but also the excitement of knowing the fun of autumn/winter is on its way.
Whatever you've been up to this summer whether it's work rest or play I hope you have found some chill time for yourself and your loved ones.