31. I am now the old age of 31. It’s not a special year, not a milestone like 21 or even 30. I didn’t have a massive party or share the date with some other life changing event. I don’t even share the date with Jon Bonjovi; but for me it was one of my best Birthdays ever, simply because it happened. I made it.
12 months ago things were very different. I was at, arguably, the lowest part of my treatment. The BEACOPP had well and truly kicked in, I felt like hell and there wasn’t even an end in site as I had 6 weeks to go. I didn’t know if the treatment was working. I honestly couldn’t be sure I would make it to 31.
What a difference a year makes then? I feel fantastic, I have a *naughty* baby (who is secretly a cutie). I am back in work in the office full-time and we even managed a holiday to Wales (see Eve’s Facebook Album) and although I still can’t say I am in remission, I edge ever closer to that dream, in fact I find it hard to not just blurt out the word when people ask how I am (more on that another time)
Just add hair and ale
I had a modest celebration with my family to mark the occasion, exactly as it should be, curry and ale in Donny (plus a first class Dad roast dinner), a great spread of ‘posh’ sandwiches (hand carved meats – thanks Pat) in Liverpool and next weekend a BBQ with the gang. What more could I ask for?
So thanks to all for the cards, the gifts and the sentiments. Thanks to my wife for another year of excessive spending on gifts (next time you see me, ask me what the time is). Oh and thanks to Emily for my first ever gifts from you (I wonder how you got the money together):
Stop! Thief!
I don’t want anyone to be sad reading this, thinking about how hard it must be to have to face your own mortality at such a young age. I simply want you to all make sure you celebrate with me!
Hurrah! So nice to see you at the weekend – couldn’t have been more of a contrast to last year! It’s brilliant you have so many things to celebrate now. Enjoy the BBQ at the weekend – fingers crossed for the weather!
Love Sal xxxx
You don’t know how pleased we were to celebrate your 31st birthday with you or how hard it was for us on your 30th . We also remembered the anguish of your actual birthday! We are so pleased you are well again and such a wonderful young man, husband and father.Last year I had to keep telling myself it was the treatment not the disease that was ravaging you. It was a hard time for you and for Eve but you have come through it stronger and closer and look what you made together! Can’t wait to here about the Bon Jovi concert
Indeed, what a difference a year makes! I’ll help you celebrate in style when I come to see you guys next weekend.
Jimbo.
Good man Jimbo, that’s what we like to hear!
all ican say is The weekend comes to this town
Seven days too soon
For the ones who have to make up
What we break up of their rules
Well I saw Captain Kidd on Sunset
Tell his boys they’re in command
While Chino danced a tango
With a broomstick in his hand
He said: It’s alright (alright) if you have a good time
It’s alright (alright) if you want to cross that line
To break on through to the other side
Let it rock, let it go
You can’t stop a fire burning out of control
Let it rock, let it go
With the night you’re on the loose
You got to let it rock
enjoy the gig guys
Sounds like you had an amazing time at Bon (who wouldn’t !) and glad you have had boss Birthday celebrations in Donny and Manchester and Walton, sorry I missed the BBQ yesterday, glad I got to see you in the week and heres to many more Birthday celebrations to come xxx