Wow,
It has been over a year since I last posted here. So much has happened since then that it seems almost surreal. Unfortunately, it was all very real, very trying, and nearly sent me to a dark place I never want to see again.
If you follow me on Medium, you'll already know. For those that don't, I lost my incredible boyfriend on the 1st of August last year. It was a stupid fall with awful consequences. If you want to read more about it, here is the friend's link to the article I managed to write.
His death hit me, my daughter, and all our mutual friends hard.
It was followed in January by the loss of our Boxer, Rosie, and later by a good friend.
To say the last year has been difficult is an understatement.
Mine and Ebony's health has suffered as a result. We have both gone into counselling, and this has helped us at least turn on the light at the end of the tunnel. Some days it still feels further away than others, but we are getting there.
I took an extended break from writing in March after discovering a lump in my back and struggling with a severe ME/CFS flare. A scan showed the lump to be nothing more serious, thankfully. I still have a way to go with energy and pain levels, but I've shown some improvement recently.
I'm trying to get back into my writing, but there are still challenges (I still can't hold a productive thought for more than 5 minutes or sit at a desk without pain).
For now, I will leave you with a picture of my amazing Stu, Ebony and me.
Remember, you can support our journey by buying me a coffee.
Keep writing your own story.
Cathylouise