24 hours

The photo above is of my family on my son and dad's birhtday lunch in May, minus Dearly Beloved who was taking the photo. My beautiful Mum is sat opposite me and to her right is my daughter. To my left is my son's girl friend and this blog is for her today.

After writing my blog last night, I called my ex husband, told him about my finances and how I was saving money to give to 'the kids' for their birthday and for Christmas. I told him, as I have my daughter, that her home is always her home and she is always welcome. I told him that I was disappointed that she only calls when she wants money and that even though I was disappointed that I would take her shopping if I could and explained why I couldn't. If I had known she had needed clothes, then I would not have bought myself new work clothes. It had the desired effect and my son (who has been with us since last Wednesday and when you read on you'll understand why) and my daughter were with us at our lunch table today. It's amazing the difference that 24 hours make. I had my son and daughter with me today. As they grow ever older, that becomes a rare event.

24 hours can change everything and for poor Shelley, my son's girl friend of the last five years, who lost her mum at 10.05 last night, when she lost her fight with cancer. It's been harrowing for her. She has been by her mum's side since she lost consciousness on Thursday night. All day yesterday, we had the minute by minute text report of Lesley's last moments. It was a relief for the entire family when her suffering ended last night. The poor girl is devastated and we can do nothing but surround her in love and prayer. 24 hours ago my daughter wouldn't communicate with me and today she has, 24 hours ago Shelley had a mother and now she's gone. My love goes out to you Shelley, your step-day Steve and your brother Rory and your family who I know are wracked with grief.