Thursday, December 17, 2009

Words to inspire

Do you remember I recently wrote that I would use this blog for an update of the year, that I would direct friends here instead of writing in Christmas cards?

Well, I changed my mind. Because when I thought about it, the only possible title for the post could be 'Misery Memoir' and I don't want to write one of those. After all, if anyone wants to know what has happened to me and my family in recent times it can all be found somewhere here on the blog. Apart from, that is, a very recent breast cancer scare which I didn't write about at the time because a) it was far too frightening and b) I didn't think anyone would actually believe that yet another thing was possibly going wrong for me.

Last weekend I sat down instead to write a mass Christmas email to old friends who I have neglected for far too long. It was a difficult task and as I drafted and redrafted my words, I tried hard not to sound too much like a victim and attempted to show the many positives as well as the negatives. I don't know how many of the emails will actually reach their target, my contacts book may be well out of date, but I was shaking as I pressed the send button.

I can't deny that we have had four difficult years. At the start of this year I thought we were finally moving on, only to be hit by the events of the last six months which may well have changed our future in ways we don't even yet know. But we are not the only people who have had a hard time, far too many of my friends are in pain for one reason or another this Christmas.

Then this morning I read this beautiful post by fellow Novel Racer Mel, which is just so inspirational.

Bring on 2010.

9 comments:

Marcie Steele said...

Aw Cathy, what a lovely thing to do. I've put your blog in my google reader now and we can keep each other smiling ;) x

Jenny Beattie said...

OMG, Cathy...I'm sorry to hear about your scare - you really have had a tough time.

But, I admire your spirit, and send you and your family very good wishes for 2010.

Beth said...

I hope things pick up for you next year.

And for me, too.

Look forward to meeting up with you again in the next 12 months, hopefully!

Anne Brooke said...

Hope the scare proved all right - those things are so tough. Sending big love & hugs to you Axxxxxx

Cathy said...

L-Plate - thanks honey. We can keep smiling and unite in our mutual admiration of Ms Smaile's writing.

JJ - thank you. Best wishes to you and your family too.

B - yes, I very much hope that we'll meet up again soon and that I'll actually be well this time.

Anne - all the tests were negative in the end and the NHS staff were lovely. It was only about three weeks from GP visit to getting final all clear, but as you say, a tough time. Best of all I won't have to have another mammogram next year when I reach screening age (no one tells you they are painful!)

Cx

HelenMWalters said...

I've also been worrying about the advisability or otherwise of putting letters in Christmas cards this year. I think now I might just say 'have had a few health problems - but seem to be OK now'. Cuts a long story short anyway.

I really hope 2010 proves to be a better year for all of us.

Cathy said...

Helen, I'm beginning to think that all the ill health and bad luck around must somehow be related to the recession. I echo your sentiments, next year has to be better for us all.

Cx

Jen said...

Life is a tricksy bugger at times. 2010 will be better. It has to be.

For what it's worth, you've borne the storms with a grace that leaves me in awe.

X

Cathy said...

Jen, it has to be better for everyone. And thank you, I do have an ability to just shut off and get on with life, because what other option is there?
Cx