So glad your birthday meal went well Squirrels. And interesting daisy what you say about the three months stage being significant for you. I am a lot better than I have been for the last 10 days but I do still feel intensely sad, and as if I'm missing Mark more and more each day instead of less.
The tattoo didn't exactly hurt - it was sort of scratchy/stingy. Not pleasant but certainly bearable and I already want another one! It gives me a disproportionate sense of comfort looking at it knowing that Mark is in there somewhere!
A few years ago I looked into being a community first responder (CFR). I was accepted but was working full time, my Dad came to live with us for a while and Mark went through one of his phases of extended hospital stays. So I never followed through.
Yesterday, at the local shops, the CFR's had a stall there drumming up interest and collecting. I sort of ignored them on my way in, but on the way out, on impulse, I went to speak to them and the woman who had interviewed me in 2011 was there. She remembered me and we had a really nice chat. Then last night she sent me a lovely text saying she hadn't stopped smiling since seeing me again. So I'm considering whether or not to go ahead and do that again. I really want to but my confidence has taken such a knock since Mark died. I also don't yet know what days my new job will be, and I also don't want to give up the volunteering work I already do! Lots of things to think about but I can't help thinking running into them yesterday was somehow meant to be!
Hope you're all having good bank holiday weekends so far.