For the last two years, I have taken part in a daily gratitude challenge – sharing one photo a day on Instagram of something I am grateful for. It’s taught me to look for the little things and has made me a more positive person. It has not always been easy to find something to be grateful for each day though, especially since losing my beautiful daughter Jessica in April. Jessica’s zest for life, her strength and the joy that she gave to all who knew her have always inspired me. I continue with this challenge every day in honour of her.
Day 322 – I am grateful for the occasional flashes of inspiration that come through browsing social media. Made some yummy crisps from potato peelings today. Normally these would have been thrown in the food waste bin. Won’t be doing that anymore!
Day 323 – I am grateful that when the contents of my mug of soup exploded as I was taking it out of the microwave, it only scalded me and not Thomas who I was holding in my other arm and thankfully far enough out of the way of it all.
Day 324 – I am grateful for magic painting books. Lots of fun painting without any mess!
Day 325 – I am grateful for woolly hats, discovering new places to explore and finding a geocache along the way.
Day 326 – I am grateful for a nice walk along the canal with Thomas.
Day 327 – I am grateful for Ocean Ward and all the staff here who looked after Jessica and gave her such wonderful care. We met with her consultant today to discuss the post-mortem report. We have no clear answers as to what caused Jessica’s sudden collapse and can really only conclude that the viruses she had in the last weeks of her life were just too much for her heart to take. Today’s meeting has been helpful in giving us some peace with regards to the what ifs. What was incredibly hard was saying goodbye to Ocean Ward. It has been a big part of our life for 7 years and our second home at times. I could see Jessica so clearly today – her excitement at having a “sleepover”, the moment she surprised me with her first post-op walk and the way she hugged one of the nurses goodbye as we left after her surgery. Saying goodbye to Ocean Ward felt like I was saying goodbye to Jessica all over again. Thank you Ocean Ward for all you have done for us. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
Day 328 – I am grateful for a magical morning visiting the Winter Wonderland and Santa’s Grotto at World’s End garden centre.
Louise,
Sorry to hear that Jessica’s consultant wasn’t able to give you the clear answers that you were hoping for.
Goodbyes are often difficult, but when a place has been so closely interwoven with your lives for so long, it must be especially difficult. Ocean Ward comes across as the NHS at its best.
Thank you. I knew we wouldn’t get any clear answers but it was still reassuring to have the discussion and to finally be able to have a more detailed report from the post-mortem. We definitely experienced the NHS at its best on Ocean Ward – the staff there were amazing with Jessica and we are so grateful to them all.