Two Years

The kid skipped down the hospital corridor and he was smiling.

"I'm happy, I'm healthy, I'm going shopping!"

We passed a doctor who smiled.  He knew.

Signed ourselves out of hospital, walked past the Lego display and into a waiting taxi. 

Our first stop was for some new beads for Mr C's Bravery Beads Necklace, one for blood tests, one for a hospital visit and one for some good news. The necklace is growing, a visual reminder of his journey over the past two years.

We found some Lego and two XBox 360 games that he had wanted, so he was very happy. Not a care in the world.  How it should be for an 11 year old kid.

Two years after I first noticed something was not right, Mr C (aged 11) is officially in remission from Crohn's Disease. It has taken a lot of tests, procedures, blood drawers, MRI's, iron infusions, tears, a liquid diet, a low residue diet, a normal diet and medication every day to bring him back, and it's an amazing feeling.

He still has issues with aching joints and blurry vision, and his skin doesn't tolerate the sun, but everything else is clear and he has energy!

He is a strong little guy, so accepting of what has to happen and at times when I've been the one struggling, he just gets on with it and I'm reminded that we are in this together.

I've looked at his little body, and wondered what was going on inside him that shouldn't be.  I've wished that I didn't have to give him the drugs every night but I know that if I don't, he will get sick again.

That is a really difficult cross to bear but one which I own.

I know things may change and he still has puberty to navigate, but for now, we are blessed and fortunate and so grateful to be where we are.

Life is good.

One Hour

"Dude, suckin' at something is the first step to being sorta good at something"

A timely quote for me as I've started guitar lessons and at the moment it's not pretty.  It's something I've always wanted to do, and I've had a couple of false starts but I'm now determined to learn to play something that my husband recognises!

I love music but I have no idea how to read music.  How it's all put together. I'm starting at the very basics, learning about music notation, tablature, and how to hold the guitar as if I know what I'm doing.

My music teacher is very patient, and doesn't flinch when I play a twangy note. I have such a deep appreciation for those who can play the guitar, because really, it's not easy.  I'm left handed so I get the strings mixed up and my hands are small so it's hard to get those chords right.......I really should stop making excuses and just go with it!

I'm doing ok.  I'm improving every lesson.

This one hour every week is all mine, I have no thoughts about my job, or housework or what activities the kids have that day.  I have one hour to focus on me, to concentrate and to learn, and I come away feeling inspired every single time.

And that's a great feeling.