Birthdays and Anniversaries

We got back from our holiday in Norfolk at weekend. We were so lucky as the weather forecast had been for mild and cloudy weather, but it was actually beautiful warm sunshine every single day. It felt as though the sun was shining especially for us, because as a family we had had lots to celebrate.

It was our wedding anniversary to start off the week - 24 years - and it was great to spend it with the family and visiting some lovely places. We went for a browse around the shops in Wells and then visited Holkham Hall for lunch and the rest of the day. The walled gardens there were stunning and still full of colour although it was the end of September.

Tuesday was a very special day of course being the anniversary of my transplant and we spent time in Downham Market and on the beach at Holkham. We were staying near the RSPB reserve at Titchwell Marsh and watched a beautiful sun set there and then we had a lovely surprise when we got to see a murmuration of starlings dance and sway backwards and forwards as they flew in to settle for the night in the reed beds. It all felt very fitting as though nature was paying tribute to the day and to my donor. 

Wednesday was then Rob's birthday. He has had a couple of difficult birthdays over the last two years. Two years ago he spent his birthday at the Lister hospital while we waited for news about Sarah who was having an emergency appendix operation, so that wasn't a lot of fun for him. Last year it was the day following my transplant, so his birthday was a difficult day again as I hadn't gained consciousness and had been put in an induced coma. 

This year was spectacularly much better and we went on a boat trip to see the seals off Blakeney Point. Rob had done this once before, but I'd been unable to go because I was too unwell. It felt like a special treat for both of us in the circumstances.

We enjoyed the sunshine and rest of the week relaxing and exploring and meeting up with friends. I was especially pleased to be able to visit my friend Ruth, who lives in nearby Upper Sherringham and we enjoyed coffee and cake and a good chat!