As the date for Jessica’s surgery draws closer, I find myself drawing comfort and strength from my faith. Reminding myself that I don’t have to rely on my own strength to get through this; that I am not alone.  In those moments when my fear overwhelms me, I have poured my heart out in prayer,… Read More
Every eighteen months or so, our church organises a weekend away. It’s a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, time to reflect on our faith and to build friendship. For the girls, it was mostly about having time to do crafts and to have fun outdoors and getting to… Read More
One of the outreach projects at our church under our last minister was the Prayer Shawl ministry project. Several women within the church were involved in knitting shawls. These were given out to those in need of prayer. Shortly after finding out about Jessica’s heart condition during my pregnancy with her, I was given one… Read More
Four years ago, we walked into a scan room full of excitement at the prospect of getting to see our baby and left with our world turned completely upside-down. Four years since we started our journey as a heart family. Four years ago, we were devastated and scared, not knowing where or how we would… Read More
I see you sitting there in that scan room. Cold with fear and the terrible realisation that something is wrong, very wrong with your baby’s heart. I see you clinging to each other. Neither wants to voice the terrible thought that fills both your minds – that your child will die. I see your tears,… Read More
One of my favourite hymns is ‘Great is thy faithfulness’. It is written on the inside of my diary; the words helped me get through those difficult early days following Jessica’s diagnosis, her heart surgeries and the long days on PICU and the ward as she recovered. It continues to give me strength. There is… Read More
Joy, for me, is more than just being happy. It’s a much deeper emotion and one that isn’t just linked to happy times. Some of my most joyful moments have been during the most difficult times of my life. My pregnancy with Jessica was an incredibly joyous time. This might sound strange given that… Read More