It Might Be Stormy Now, But It Doesn’t Rain Forever

2014 is a year that we’d like to forget, but it is undoubtedly a year that we’ll never forget. The events in the latter part of the year turned out to be like a tattoo on our life, serving as a lasting memory of our darkest times, but ones that have made us even stronger as a family.

It was a year that started so well and promised so much hope, with me getting a deputy headship in January. After being at my former school for 11 years I started my new challenge at Easter with a renewed energy and drive for school improvement.

Everything looked to be going so well until our worst fears were confirmed. Tracy had found a lump in her breast and after a visit to the doctors and the hospital, our seemingly perfect world came crashing in around us. Subconsciously we both probably knew what was coming, but the confirmation of the diagnosis of breast cancer from the doctor was like a hammer blow to our heart. The vivid and chilling memories of our immediate emotions and how scared we both were in the hospital consultancy room that day will probably never leave us. How could this be happening to us?

It was at that point that we had two choices….to crawl away in a hole and let it destroy us, or to face this challenge with a smile on our face, a positive attitude and an appreciation of what is important in life. Tracy’s status update from that time tells you all you need to know about how we planned to deal with it…..

During the last few months, the love and support we have had from our family, friends and work colleagues has been incredible and at times overwhelming. It’s at times like this, through pain and adversity, that you realise how much you count on, and take comfort from, small words, messages and gestures.

Throughout all this, Tracy has been a true inspiration. She has handled this ‘blip’ as she calls it, with the type of courage you’d expect from a veteran soldier. Her inspiration has travelled much further than our own family, with people regularly sending messages to say how inspired they have been by the way she has not let this effect her positive outlook on life. They have used Tracy’s public show of strength and determination to help them in their own personal battles, whatever they may be.

Although we’d have never chosen for this to happen to us, it has given us the opportunity to reflect on life and appreciate what we have, along with our love for each other. It has reminded us what is important in life and given us even more purpose to live life to the full as this has demonstrated that none of us know what is around the next corner. It’s been a strange kind of opportunity that we’ll all be stronger for once it’s over. I’ve also been privileged to meet so many amazing women fighting the same battle during our hospital visits. Their positivity is infectious and their monumental strength is incredible. None of these women are sad, have an axe to grind with life, or feel they have been hard done to. They aren’t looking for excuses or feel that life owes them a living. I think we all know some people could do with spending time with these women. A quote I read on positivity sums it up nicely…..

TT5

The hospital staff have also been superb. Over worked, under paid and in emotionally draining environments, these staff are Britain’s real heroes. But what is even more inspiring are the volunteers who we’ve come into contact with. Giving up their own time for no payment whatsoever, other than the priceless reward of giving something back. I only hope I’ll have the same attitude, energy and enthusiasm as these people when I feel I have the time to do something as noble as this. It is these people that I look up to and who inspire me more than anyone on a management hierarchy.

As we move towards a new year, we are hoping to put this behind us and are looking forward to spending more great times and sharing more amazing experiences with each other and our precious children. Tracy hopes to be back at school in the Spring with it being ‘business as usual’ once again.

If 2014 has taught us anything, it’s that a positive mindset can beat most things. It’s all about strength of mind and character. The kids and I will always be indebted to Tracy for showing us what you can achieve with a smile on your face. Without a shadow of a doubt, she has become our true hero.

TT4