MN123
The postman delivered a huge box to me yesterday! He couldn't work out who the mumsnetter of the house was but I told him it was me!
My eldest son was off school yesterday so came downstairs to see why I was squealing. I didn't let him look in the box but we read the card and letter together and cried. DS couldn't understand why a complete stranger would send us a box of gifts but I told him somebody had kindly nominated me and he said 'well of course, you are the best mum in the world!'
The last year has been truly horrific for our family - my eldest son at 16 was struck down with a brain tumour. He (and I) spent 5 and half months living in hospital whilst he recovered from surgery, intensive chemo and radiotherapy. He had his 16th birthday in hospital 18 days after surgery so he does not remember it. Last Christmas was spent in hospital and although the hospital made it lovely for all the kids it was desperately sad for us all.
We came home in March last year and husband decided he could not cope with an ill step-child so my sons and I had to cope with a divorce and a move this year as well.
I re-joined MN after we came home from hospital having received enormous support from it during 8 miscarriages and still birth of twin daughters some years ago. It has been a place of sanctuary where I have received emotional support that is often hard to get from RL when you are stuck at home with an ill child. It has been a fab distraction at times as well - the times I have been crying with laughter at some of the threads in Chat - my boys know when I am on MN when I keep laughing out loud and I have to share with them too. I hope I have been able to offer support at times too as I know how much I have been helped by complete strangers.
It has also been the kindness of strangers that has helped me through the last 13 months. It has restored my faith in humanity and the acts of kindness seem to happen when we are at a very low time and it seems to just support me enough to pick up and carry on.
To my nominator - thank you so much. I was very embarrassed to receive a nomination and I hope that I have helped in some way.
To my SS - thank you so much for the box of gifts - I am quite overwhelmed. My presents have gone under the tree and I will enjoy splitting the pressies between the boys. The model kits will be particularly fab as my eldest son needs physio to help with fine motor skills and this will be brilliant for that. He is also the worlds biggest Terry Pratchett fan so the book will be a huge hit. In fact all the gifts will be a huge hit - I can't thank you enough. It has taken some pressure off me as finding time to look for gifts is proving difficult. Thank you for making me smile and cry at the same time. I will think of you and your family on Christmas Day.
To all at MN thank you for the laughs, the tears but most of all the amazing support.