The importance of family and friends
When you become increasingly unable to do the things you used to be able to do, due to a chronic long term illness, (in my case hypermobility syndrome and early onset osteoarthritis), your confidence wanes and it's easy to become depressed.
When I found myself unable to walk far any more and needing to use wheels to get around, my confidence dipped and anxiety rose.
Loss of independence weighs heavily on your mind and without the help, love and support of family and friends life would be very hard.
I found out just how much love surrounds me at the beginning of March when it was mine and my husband's 40th wedding anniversary, or to give it it's proper name, our Ruby wedding anniversary.
Our children had planned a surprise dinner party for us, in the very same venue our wedding reception took place all those years before.
First of all we were picked up by our son and daughter-in-law in a lovely jaguar sporting ruby wedding ribbons, to emulate our journey 40 years previously. We were taken on a convoluted route so that we couldn't guess where we were going, and possibly to give our guests time to arrive and be in position to surprise us!
Two couples, great friends of ours who live in the same street, told us afterwards that they had to practically crawl to their cars so we wouldn't realise they were off out dressed up to the nines!
We swept into the driveway of Himley House Hotel to find friends and family waiting for us, including our bridesmaid and best man who had travelled all the way from Suffolk for the celebrations! The table was decorated with banners and balloons and we were given lots of kind and very generous gifts, the greatest gift of all of course being the love and care shown to us on our special day.
We had been told to pack an overnight bag and found ourselves staying in the hotel, Lynn and Chris, our bridesmaid and best man, stayed also, meaning we had ample time to catch up and spend time together.
We are so grateful to our daughter and son for organising the surprise for us. Celebrating a very special day with loved ones was something we shall always treasure.
Our daughter-in-law made and decorated a beautiful cake for us, and also helped with all the planning and subterfuge!
I am very grateful for my friends and family, they know my limitations and accept me for who I am, and don't expect me to do things I am incapable of. They realise I am probably in pain and can't stand for long, so soon find me a seat without fuss and without making it obvious. They quietly help when they realise I might need a hand, but stand back and let me get on with it when I am having a good day.
Living with an illness is not always easy, you have your down days and may find your confidence is not as good as it once was, but having good family and friends around you helps an awful lot.
We loved our special day which will stay in our hearts and memories forever, and we are so very very proud.
Last but not least I received a beautiful ruby and diamond ring from my husband which I wear with pride.
Things like this make you count your blessings, make you appreciate the good things in your life, and to know that despite hardships, anxiety, pain and worry, you really are very lucky indeed!
