EX-MUSING 22.2.2011

In case this is all too confusing, me having two blogs; let me explain.

I started the original blog under the title 'Mamajoon' in 2008. I enjoy writing, but it took some persuading from one of the Mupersans to go public.

It got a surprisingly good response - although I have to point out that people seem reluctant to leave comments, I got emails from friends instead, telling me to carry on with the blog as they were really enjoying it.

Shortly after writing the last posting under Mamajoon, Chris was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was given 6 to 8 months to live. Gone was the dream of Chris retiring in 5 years and us sitting on a porch in our 80's, overlooking the sea or a river. We had a 'sell by' date. Then he had chemo, one especially developed for the type of cancer he had (Mesothelioma) and the dreaded cells were knocked back. Of course I researched everything I could about the disease and started a correspondence with a lady in the U.S. who had been living with the same cancer for 12 years. A glimmer of light at the end of the dark tunnel we were travelling through. So we kept ourselves busy closing down the business, selling the houses and buying an apartment to retire in. Chris looked amazing and had so much fun renovating

No-one enjoyed DIY as much as he did! Dougs, Mons, Chris jnr and Jazzie came out in April last year to spend some time with us. Precious time - they wouldn't see him again. Mandy & Scott booked their holiday for October last year. A holiday that wasn't to be. Chris was hospitalised after having the first of his second series of chemo sessions. Mandy flew out and was able to be with him for his last days. How bitterly ironic that the chemo which we were so sure would give us more time, gave us so much less.

We did have more than 8 months, we had 20. It wasn't enough.

Life is still surreal without him - 7 months later.

This isn't meant to be a depressing blog, honest. But it is the explanation for why I stopped the Mamajoon blog. I couldn't write about what was happening to us, I just couldn't. So during that 20 months I took a 'sabbatical' from everything and we spent precious time together, Chris and I, with the added company of some amazing friends. It was a short retirement, but there were lots of laughs and many jaunts down the happy memory lanes we'd travelled.

So, as they say, life goes on. And difficult as it is sometimes, especially when I'm alone here, I still have those friends who can make me laugh. I still have my kids and grandchildren - and Chris' blood courses strongly through them.

And now the next chapter of my blog life begins.

If you've got a comment, please leave it - good or bad, I'd like to know what you think..................