Can I quietly sneak back in?

[debih]

I've been MIA for ages I know. Sorry - so many things have been gone on. A couple of years ago - no 4 years ago - we had a major trauma happen with L (not going to go into details but it turned our lives upside down) and really I just withdrew into myself.

Anyhoo - 4 years on life is good. L is now back to her usual bonkers self. She left school with no qualifications (the fact that she managed to finish school was an achievement in itself tbh) but went on to get herself an apprenticeship at a local GP surgery (not the one I work at) right at the beginning of lockdown. She wasn't that keen on it as it made her realise that she doesn't want to be stuck behind a desk all day and has now been working as a carer in the community for the last 6 weeks. She absolutely loves it. We are all completely amazed. She has gone from a girl 4 years ago who wouldn't speak to a stranger, couldn't go into a classroom or look people in the eye as her anxiety levels were off the scale to a young woman who oozes confidence. She has a lovely boyfriend (a farmer) who is 21 and they have been together for around 2.5 years.

S is another matter. We had huge issues with her and she eventually left home at 17.5 and just moved from one friends house to another, usually being kicked out once her friends parents got sick of her. She eventually moved to Mansfield with her boyfriend (who we really don't know all that well but he seems okay) and they have a flat there - this is her 2nd xmas in it. I see her about once every other month and am in constant contact by text - I tend to avoid phoning her as it usually ends in an argument. She has little to no contact with Mick, Lucy, my mum or Micks parents. She only really contacts me if she wants something (usually money) but as long as I instigate conversations via text she will respond. She flits between jobs and just seems really unsettled. But she says she is happy with Jude and there's really very little I can do other than support her when she needs it.

Mick and I are both fine. He is incredibly busy work wise - fortunately other than not being able to go to the pub he hasn't been affected by the lockdowns. I am still at the GP surgery (was I there last time I was on here? I'm not sure. Anyway - I work part time as a GP receptionist. I absolutely love it) - the last few months have been manic. I have had the last two weeks off work isolating as some of my colleagues tested positive and I had to take time off as I had been working closely with them. It has been sheer bliss, if a little boring.

My mum is fine. Its 6 years since my dad died (gosh, that's gone fast) and she keeps herself busy. She still has Millie (the dog) when I am at work.

Di (my sister) and Roy are doing okay. Roy had oesophegal cancer and had to have radiotherapy last year. However, the cancer has gone and he is slowly getting better. He lost lots of weight as he couldn't eat but he is slowly putting the weight back on.

I'm sorry I just sort of disappeared - life just took over and the whole "Lucy thing" was incredibly traumatic and emotionally draining. I just dragged myself through each day. Work were amazing. We ended up changing L to a different school which was the best thing that could have happened to her. Their pastoral care was out of this world and they put us in touch with therapists and other professionals that really helped her. So I am hoping that I can just sneak back in.

[saundra]

Welcome back life can be hard at times take care

[miasmum]

Lovely to see you Deb, I have often thought of you.

I am pleased L is settled, but sorry to hear about S. AS you say all you can do is be there for her and leave a light on, to quote the Tom Walker song.

Great to hear you are enjoying your job, I'm still working in a GP surgery, its bonkers at times isn't it?

Great Mick is well and so pleased to hear Millie dog is well after all her problems too.

Still remember your dad and his Hawaiian shirts Glad your mum is well and your brother in law is recovering.

We lost Tim's brother and his dad and my stepmum in 2019. I'm so glad to be honest all three of them were spared this year, they would all have been classed as vulnerable.

xxx

[Workingman]

Good afternoon, you. This is not your first "sneak" is it? As a bit of a night owl and a "watcher" I am sure I have seen you, and others, bobing in from time to time.

It's good to hear that you are all bimbling along reasonably well, though it is a bit of a shame about S. We were a bit concerned about our B for a while but it all turned out fine - she eventually got a !st from Leeds - so all is not lost. Stick with her. And it's good news about L... sometimes they just have to find their own way and let life come to them rather than them trying to be something they are not.

I hope that you are all keeping fit and healthy and keeping occupied, work wise, I do look forward to you becoming part of the family again. xx

[jenniren]

It's lovely to see you back here Debih, like MM I've often thought of you and wondered how you're all doing.

[debih]

You are right WM - I have popped in from time to time to see how everyone is doing.

[Ally]

Hi Debs and lovely to have you back. X

I often thought about you and especially in August when I went to Matlock Bath with Craig.

[debih]

Hi Debs and lovely to have you back. X

I often thought about you and especially in August when I went to Matlock Bath with Craig.

You should have messaged me. I could have come down to meet you.

[Kaz]

Delighted to have you back Debih, and great to catch up with your news!

Welcome back!

[Osc]

Lovely to see you back, Debih, and am I’m glad to hear that things are more settled for you all now xxx