Just imagine in a few days ….

Lots of wonderful things in 2025 with family, we're so blessed to have children and grandchildren. But also the lowest point for any parent as I held my 20 year old son in my arms as he took his last breaths. His favourite carer holding his other hand and my daughter, sister and niece around the bed too. We sang to him and told him how much we love him, and waited as his breathing rate slowed. He wasn't alone for a moment in the last days and nights.

I have just read your post Lala with tears in my eyes especially with regard to those last moments you had together. Absolutely heartbreaking to lose your 20 year old son, I am so, so sorry for your staggering loss.

Wishing you and your family peace in 2026, understandably you have a lot to come to terms with.

...and to all those who have had a difficult year, personal losses, health problems with loved ones or your own ailments. A better 2026

Lala

Posts like yours put everything into perspective.

I know full well I don’t always appreciate the blessings I have.

I must try and alter that.

Sending you

I'm hoping for a General Election, though unlikely. We desperately need a PM with a backbone who won't lick the boots of HRH King Donald, won't act the buffoon (Boris) and won't throw the economy down the toilet (Truss aided and abetted by Kwarteng).

I can only wish, it seems.

2025 had ups and downs for us, but also plenty to both moan about and feel blessed about.

2026 will be about the same I guess, looking forward to Spring, my daughter, her wife and their 3 adorable, but hard work, mini sausage dogs will finally be looking for a home of their own!! Hopefully followed by their sis and bro in 2027 (not together haha) Then “real” retirement can begin! 🙏🙏

I think you have to look on the positive it’s what keeps us going. I lost my dear brother last year and retired recently so I am trying to look forward to some me time doing what I want when I want.

When we began 2025 I had no hopes that DH would see another Christmas but he's still here and doing great. No one seems to know why he's responded so well to the cancer therapies, the oncology team all seem a bit bemused when we talk to them. There is still a chance he will have to lose his bladder and possible a kidney, but he's still alive so it's a win for me. I can't ask for more from 2026 than I got from 2025.

Primrose
Layla
Such heartache and such bravery.
So many of you weathering your storms and warm hugs
Peace on earth and small miracles would be my wish probably same for all of you.

In old age things never improve, they just get worse.
The hills get steeper and the shopping gets heavier. I can’t reach high enough nor low enough, I walk slower and use a stick.
I worry about being able to pick up my dog’s poo in the future and whatever will happen to her if I die before her.

watermeadow

In old age things never improve, they just get worse.
The hills get steeper and the shopping gets heavier. I can’t reach high enough nor low enough, I walk slower and use a stick.
I worry about being able to pick up my dog’s poo in the future and whatever will happen to her if I die before her.

But there are always solutions, get a shopping bag on wheels or order online, then walks can avoid hills. leave top and bottom shelves empty. We do not have a dog but DH uses one of those long armed grabbers to pick things off the floor.

I intend to drink my life down to the last dregs and do my best to actively enjoy every second of it. It is an attitude of mind.

A year ago I left hospital with a new hip. I had a 2nd cataract operation in June so can thread a needle again, and lots of other things.

I had hoped to be out of this big house by now but it's a long way off still.

Looking back I have had some lovely times but sad ones too. Losing a dear friend and missing DH more than ever.

I have plenty to do and plans to make. I'm off on holiday next week.

The DGC are growing up so quickly and I see less of them. However not moaning, just saying.

I am conscious that many of you have great sadnesses and worries.

Thinking today of FGT, Primrose, Lala
💐