The fragility of life
I’ve been reminded of the fragility of life. In two so very different ways.
2020. Changing the fundamentals of the way we do life.
This virus has made me sad to the core, because it’s changing some of the fundamentals of the way we do life. And while we’re locking down to try and prevent the spread of a deadly disease, lockdown is also increasing the frequency and impact of other social issues, like domestic violence, relationship breakdown and social isolation.
Limbo Land - The longest 45 minutes of my son’s cardiology checkup day
It’s checkup day. Tom’s has his blood pressure, sats, height and weight checked. Now we’re up to the echo. Otherwise known as limbo land. There is no other moment in life that makes me feel so much like I’m nowhere. We’re not living our normal every day life, we’re not in the clear, we’re not back on closer together checkups, and we’re not on a surgery waiting list.
Excitement vs anxiety
Did you know that physiologically, both excitement and anxiety present very similarly?
Facing fears - How I’m working on overcoming PTSD & panic attacks
I never used to be a fearful person. I wasn’t a stress-head or a worst-case scenario thinker. I had never had a panic attack, or even been close to one. But that was before our HeartKid was born.
The balancing act of looking after others, versus looking after ourselves
It’s the giving in and giving out that I’m starting to think go hand in hand. If we focus on others alone, we can burn out and struggle ourselves both physically and mentally. Yet if we focus on ourselves alone, we’re missing the opportunity to gain perspective and see the good in our situation.
When life gives you lemons - Congenital Heart Disease, Mental Health challenges & Chronic Pain
Most people know one of my ‘lemons’ is the Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) our oldest son was born with. But this past year, we’ve had another health-related lemon land in our court.
When you get the phone call for surgery
It’s like a little firework of thoughts goes off in your mind in about 5 seconds flat. There is a mix of actual rational thoughts, like the question of our coping ability at the moment, then there are the crazy, not so important thoughts, like being able to water the garden tomorrow.
Congenital Heart Disease in a nutshell
Some Australian statistics, facts about my HeartKid, common misconceptions and the future.
What to say, what not to say
Is the answer to run away and not say anything to someone in crisis? Avoid them at all costs? Never talk about their illness, sick child or family member? NO! People in crisis NEED YOU!
Small things can be powerful things
Today is R U OK? day. It’s such a great initiative which encourages people to stay connected and have meaningful conversations. I don’t think you should ever underestimate the power of doing something small for someone who is struggling. Small things can be powerful things.
