Merry Christmas

For some, when they've experienced the loss of a loved one, or a trying to cope with caring for someone ill, or where life just isn't the same as it perhaps once was, Christmas especially can be a challenging time emotionally.   

For me personally, Christmas and other anniversaries are no different to any time of year.  Christmas and anniversaries are usually okay.  My moments of melancholy or reminiscence about my Jojo usually occur when I least expect them.  But most times, I, and my other kids, remember and talk about him openly and with big smiles on our faces.  Because that's the kind of boy he was - always smiling, or at the very least, making others smile. 

This holiday season, in Australia anyway, is the time to be more vigilant around water. Never become complacent, and please, always watch the water. 

Wishing you and the special people in your life a lovely Christmas and bright 2014. x

8th birthday

4 years ago, on Joshy's 4th birthday, just 6 months after his drowning, I made his this fabulous ooey-gooey Nigella Lawson Honey cake.  In loving memory for what would of been his 8th birthday, we decided to make it again for today.

Miss you. Love-a you Jojo. x

Been a while...

Wow. It has been a while since I've posted, and a number of things have transpired.

I don't really talk about my other kids on here, but those closest to me know of their achievements, and how proud I am of the individual people each of my four are developing in to.

Regarding Josh, a few weeks ago on 3rd July saw three years since he grew his angel wings. Of course we think of him daily, and it's getting a little easier to remember his little ways and idiosyncrasies, without dwelling there and being sad.  For example, we could be talking about lollies, and one of the kids will say, in a Jo-jo voice, while doing a sweeping hand motion, "I want all dem" (I want all of them).

On a more  personal level, in recent months, many things have happened - some good and some have, ahem, ...'added to my life learning'. ;).  For a little while now, I have worked as a Contact Support Worker.  Sometimes, through the courts system,  where children are removed and placed in to the care of someone else,  I transport and supervise visits between children and their parent(s) or carer(s).  This is indeed challenging, but I enjoy it, and am about to step up the hours a little.

Recently I completed and graduated with dual Diplomas - one in Case Management and the other in Community Service.  Monday I begin my Social Science Degree, and will take that slowly.  

Of course there are times when the realness of the fact of what my baby went through, and that he's no longer here does just hit me without warning, and I take a moment or two...but as is the way, things continue to move forward.

Just one thing for now... can someone please switch on the warmer weather here? 

Thank you

A big thank you to the friends, family and supporters who brought the recent publication of Kyle Sandilands book "Scandalands" to my attention.

I appreciate your concern. :)

Diploma

of Community Service has now commenced, with a bang, and have received my transcript for Certificate IV in Community Service.  Yay!  Diploma is more theoretical, but I'm looking forward to learning to write critically and bureaucratically.  We also have 240 hours of work placement to complete in addition, and I have a few ideas of where Id like to go, but am open to guidance...

Let's go!

2 years

This picture was taken in 2009, about 2 weeks before his accident.  He's been gone 2 years now.

Love-a you. I do.

Miss you, Joey McGoey. 

Another chapter Finished

The Coroner's Court finally made the decision that no inquest would be required, and that a Death Certificate for Josh can finally be issued.

Finally, this particular chapter can end. 

And then Life Changed

forever.

3 years today, Josh nearly drowned in the backyard pool, and was left severely brain damaged.  3 years ago.  And 18 months since he grew his angel wings.  Man, where did that time go?

We wont be 'doing' anything to remember today. I mean, ugh, who wants to really remember it?  On the other hand, its a date I never forget, but not a day goes past when I dont think of my Jojo in some way. x

A new year

I know for some, 2011 is a year some would rather forget.  Some people I know have been through some absolute rubbish, and even still trying to dig their way out.

But as always, I believe its how you deal with what you're given that really matters, and shows your true character.

Here's hoping 2012 is fantastic for you, and a year of moving forward.

For my Angel

at Christmas :)