Guest Blog- Liz and Jane

Sorry that this guest blog is late (again!). You see if was far too busy having litres of antibiotics pumped into me, getting dressed and then heading into London to load it up.

This weekend I had arranged to meet up with 3 of my oldest friends. We've known each other since school but now are scattered all over the country. We try to get together at least once a year which doesn't sound like much but trying to coordinate four peoples diaries is often a bit tricky. What's app has made it so much easier to keep in touch and Facebook helps us to keep track of what's going on in our lives (and nosy at photographs)

But of course I'm in hospital so we had to change our plans slightly. I asked them if they would like to write something for Guest Blog Saturday so here you go. (If you're wondering what I got up to in big ol' London Town, don't worry, I will tell all in another post 😉)

In reality I feel like a bit of fraud writing a blog about someone I see once a year, at most, if lucky! But the request to contribute to this is an honour.

I can only admit my ignorance to Natalie's struggles. Not because I don't care, or I don't want to help, but because I live 200 miles away and the impact or extent of what she goes through every day never really translated in what were a few brief texts, phone calls, and flying visits. This blog has opened my eyes. Not only to the unbelievable goings on but once again to her courage.

The cruelest thing I see is the battle around the illness. All those other testing, draining things that come with being so poorly. All the appointments, changing hospitals, different wards, the waiting, the let down and the missed opportunities to name a few. But by far the worst to read about, are the hundreds and hundreds of sad goodbyes Natalie and her family have to endure. I worry about the toll that takes the most.

The thing is with Natalie, nobody gets one over on her, she's always one step ahead, and there is no way she'd let herself be beaten.

I once witnessed her breaking broccoli florets from the stem in the supermarket because she didn't think she should be made to pay for an inedible item. It's that kind of tenacious attitude I remind myself of and I know it will get her through!

And, following her love of a bargain, today she has got a buy one get one free guest blog! That will make her very happy indeed!

Lizbo (Class of '98) xxx

Heading down to London on he train for 'Nats weekend', she suggested we all write a few words for her blog. I had planned a snooze, some browsing on the daily mail and some interesting chat with train strangers (I'm not from London, so it's allowed!). But as it was supposed to be her weekend, thought I best to oblige.

I say 'was', as you know Nat's back in hospital, though she's managed to pull of an escape for tomorrow, Whoooo.

How does having a friend with such a cruel and serious illness affect me - not a lot. I've known Nat since school and a group of us have remained very close friends, but I live in the lake district now. Other than reading her blog, marvelling at her resilience and optimism, being immensely impressed and proud with how her, Hubby, the kids, family and friends cope and help with it all, I don't do a lot.

Sure there have been a few meet ups and events she's missed - her own hen do springs to mind! But I don't feel our friendship has suffered. Nat might feel differently though - the odd ridiculous photo of me in fancy dress, an annoying text or work-promoting present in the post, pail in comparison to all the help and support she gets from other friends, particularly those in London.

I just hope Nat knows I love her and am very proud to call her my friend.

Jane

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