Now the storm has passed...

Barry white's words are singing in my ears...it may be winter outside but in my heart it's spring...because when I saw my oncologist he said your bones are cancer clear. One simple sentence which like a red traffic light,  brought our jumble of fear, questions about the future and sleepless nights to a stop. 

Once again I have a future, it will be filled with an extra scan each year, but I know how to do annual scans, my brain tumour.saw to that.

Mr H and I keep casting glances at each other and grinning like lottery winners. We are lottery winners! Bad news has left us alone for Christmas. Mr H keeps hugging me extra hard and when he comes back from a run, with sweaty tears he declares his utter joy and love for me. 

Its a GTBA week all round. We are off to a wedding. This wedding has dangled like a golden carrot as I have trudged my way through this year of cancer.  I won't need an excuse to wear a hat and eat cake!!

...and I have made it onto the short list for the UK Blog Awards 2015 - Individual Health Bloggers Category. 
Thank you all for your votes which got me to this point! 
I raise my glass to you...and to further raising awareness of the impact that brain tumours and breast cancer have but showing that even with these life can be enjoyed

Oh and before I go... GTBA is my term for Its Good To Be Alive

Dance, Smile, Giggle, Marvel, Trust, Hope, Love, Wish, Believe. Most of all enjoy every moment of the journey and appreciate where you are at this moment instead of always focusing on how far you have to go.

Mandy Hale

Leaving my forties behind

As the sun rises over the horizon my big day Dawns.

Twenty nine years ago I stood in a school hall wearing a black suit, red leather bow tie and red lace gloves with a red 21 pinned to my lapel. My hair was swept to the side ready to sing Do you really want to hurt me with my favourite group Culture Club.

On my 30th I clung to the side of a basket and silently soared over miniature villages as I watched toy cars below, the only disturbance was an occasional roar of a flame.

On my 40th Mr H and I climbed to the top of Cadyr Idris in Wales where I rejoiced at the views, opened cards and ate cake.

Now as I open the door on my 50th year, mountain climbing is, for now, out of reach. Evening parties are too late as I need my zzzzzz and loud noise leaves my grey matter  trembling.

So I settle on a lunch surrounded by love and friendship. As Mr H says we have won the lottery. We have life. Love. Happiness.

Sentiments in some of the gifts I received 

Follow your heart anything is possible

People walk into our lives but only true friends leave footprints on our hearts