Mr T, Family & Friends...

My nearest and dearest

It was December 2007, at an end of year function that I first met my husband to be, actually it was in the staffroom earlier that day…but the real memories come from lunch time that day. I was beginning my first full time job as a primary teacher, and had been invited along to attend the Christmas lunch in the library prior to commencing my role the following year.

My first impressions were not that good really…I thought Mr T was quite loud and a little bit of a footy jock type…I left that day not thinking much more about any of it.

It wasn’t until the following year in the cold of winter that we really started to talk to each other…leading up to this Mr T (or music man as I called him back then) would bring my class back to my room before lunch. I always knew he had come into my room because he wore nice perfume and smelled yummy (even if it was on the strong side sometimes). I also thought he brought everybody’s classes back to their rooms, apparently not. There were some awkward exchanges of conversation as we swapped yard duties outside, or sat near each other in the staff room to eat lunch. I was totally clueless and didn’t even know Mr T liked me.

Our ‘getting together’ required the assistance of others and a carefully set up evening was prepared as part of a going away party for some colleagues heading overseas. A few pints of beer does wonders for starting any conversations…and we have been inseparable ever since.

In January 2011, I married this beautiful man, and given our current circumstances have been reminded of all the reasons why we are so perfect for each other. Our relationship is built upon all the good stuff you need to cope with things like this, and despite the eventual outcome a second predetermined ending has already been written, we will still have each other.

Some days are like this:

I cry, he cuddles me…I cry again, he reassures me…I cry more, he comforts and calms me….

Others like this:

Robyn: Cup of tea? Some chocolate? Dried fruit? I need some Benefibre pretty please???

Or even this:

Jerry: Sit down, I’ll get the cup of tea for you, put your feet up, should be sitting down by now?

For the first time in my life, I feel nothing like the strong, confident, independent, head strong stubborn woman I usually am. I have never had to rely or lean on those around me quite as much as I have now! All I want is for someone else to look after me, help me and be the all the things I am not at the moment. Mr T has the uncanny knack of making everything feel safe, he has taken in the role of Terminator- unbreakable, focused and determined.

Our incredible families are equally amazing, I can only imagine…and am beginning to understand that as a parent all you want for our own children is the very best, and for them to be protected and kept safe from such curve balls as this one that life can send your way. Mr T and I have both been raised by some pretty amazing people, made of tough stuff and plenty of resilience, which is helping us through…eternally grateful to these lovely parents of ours.

Friends are just as special, the overwhelming (at times) shows just how many lovely people Mr T and I have surrounded ourselves with over the years, and the value of true friendships really shines through in times like these. Words of late that resonate most profoundly are heartfelt words for the strength and courage people believe we have to get through, and the many thoughts of positivity and white light being sent out way. My favourite words come from a wise lady who told me that you have more power to succeed than you realise…here’s hoping!!