A CATCH UP ON THE LAST FEW WEEKS....

I know some of you have noticed I haven't done a blog for a couple of weeks because I have had a few people ask me where the next one was. That makes me happy because it means I am getting awareness out there and seeing people's interest drives me forward.

As per my previous blogs (for those regular followers or local people) you would be aware of my previous fundraiser to raise money for the installation of my air conditioner. I must say it is awesome. The last few days have been scorchers for me with the inability to regulate my body temperature and that air conditioner has been a life saver. Since my last blog the community once again came to my rescue when the local Mullumbimby Truck Show committee donated a cleaner for me, for 6 months on a fortnightly basis after the funds raised from the recent Show were split between charities. This show of generosity is a godsend and I am so grateful. It has taken a weight of my shoulders to know the jobs I can't get to will be done on a regular basis and won't need to stress myself about them. Thank you to The Ward and Johnston Families who are on the committee, for thinking of me and this awesome donation. But......it doesn't end there. There is a lovely lady in our local community who happens to be a comedian and all you locals will know who I am talking about. Ellen Briggs has generously offered her time and contacted a few of her comedian friends to put together a comedy night to raise funds to help my boys and I. On Monday the 10^th December at the Mullumbimby Golf Club they are holding a night I am so looking forward too. A night to laugh and laugh and laugh a bit more, which is just what the doctor has ordered. As I have mentioned in previous blogs I find it hard to laugh these days and in the weeks since my last blog the illness and the stress of everything took its toll. I ended up depressed, crying all the time and pretty much in a bad place. I have seen my doctor and she feels that given my circumstances it is completely normal that someone facing a long term illness, trying to raise three boys and keep on top of working what hours I can, the time to crash was inevitable. It was instant relief to have her say this is “normal” and I agreed to some sessions with a psychologist to get my head back on track and in a positive frame of mind again. At first I felt odd about this but after one session I realised it was exactly what I have been needing. Someone that doesn't judge, that I can be completely open with and that can guide me to keep my head above water. For a couple of weeks it was sink or swim and I have chosen to swim. I will no longer be negative, I will no longer let the depression get on top of me and I will live my life and make choices that are right for me and not for the sake of pleasing other people. I have been told for a while now that I am a “yes” person and I will now be taught the strategies to say “no.” I know some things in my life need to change and they will change once I get my head in the right place to make those changes. It will be hard but I will get there and I will beat this hideous disease and I will go on to live a happy and fulfilling life.

To the new members of my Australian facebook support page I welcome you. Starting that page is the best thing I have done so far regarding the illness and it has been an amazing adventure getting to know each of you in the group. There is now 13 of us in Oz in the group and everyone is such great support to each other and at any time we can cheer each other up and make each other laugh or cry together. But the most amazing thing that has come out of it is the new friendships formed and we are all excited about a proposed meeting weekend next year. We are aiming for around September next year and that is my new little project. We will need to make it as hassle free as possible and as affordable as we can, as some of us will need to fly or drive and find accommodation. When most of us are on limited income it is hard. I intend to contact some spinal associations etc and see if we can come up with any funding even if minimal to help our event, in the event of awareness.