October has been a bittersweet month. There have been many happy moments – moments that we have tried to focus on and enjoy to the full – while pushing away the anxiety that has constantly been bubbling beneath the surface. With Jessica’s surgery now scheduled for 9th November, those family moments together have felt incredibly precious. There may not have been as many of them as we would have liked, but we have savoured the ones we have had.
Hubby has been away working a lot this month. It’s always the way this time of year. Normally we would be counting the sleeps until his return. This time, I’m torn between looking forward to him being home with us again and knowing that his return means that the next step in our heart family journey is imminent.
This month’s photos were taken on a day out at Claremont Landscape Garden. A beautiful autumn afternoon – the perfect day for a walk. We laughed together, enjoyed each other’s company. The girls played in the play area, rolled down hills and threw leaves in the air. A perfect family day out. Precious, precious moments. And underneath it all, the unspoken knowledge that this was our last opportunity for a family day out before Jessica’s surgery.
A perfect day that flew by far too quickly, as days like this tend to do. The girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we all loved having time together. Hubby and I kept our fear and anxiety hidden but it came out later that day.
Jessica is not anxious or afraid though and I am thankful for that. Hubby and I might carry that anxiety with us, but we do our best to keep it from her and Sophie. We’re trying to focus on the positives as much as we can. Not letting the fear of tomorrow take away the joy of today. Enjoying the moment; all the happy little moments that October has brought – several family birthdays including Sophie’s 4th birthday, a fun half-term and cosy evenings indoors watching Strictly.
November is a big month for us. Another big step for Jessica on her journey; a return to the rollercoaster of hospital life. We will draw strength from our faith and from the love and prayers of those who help support us in our journey. We will put our trust once again in the hands of the surgeons and pray that the surgery will be successful and that we will have many more happy family moments to look forward to.
Jessica is an amazing little girl and you must be so proud of the way she handles everything. Gorgeous photos of you all as always and sending you all lots of love and best wishes for next month x
Thank you so much Laura. She does amaze me with how much she takes this in her stride x
I recognised Claremont straight away – it’s a gorgeous photo of you all and I love the girls’ matching coats. Sending you all lots of good wishes and strength for the next few weeks xx
Thank you Katy x
Looks like such a lovely place and a great set of Autumnal family pictures. I hope Sophie enjoyed her birthday. Will be thinking of Jessica and you all this month. x #meandmineproject
Thank you, it was a lovely day out x
Sending ou so much love this month you are all so very strong x
Thank you Laura x
Loving the winter coat coordinating and the winter walks so beautiful surrounding you all. Sounds like you had a busy great month. #meandmineproject
Thank you Jenny x