Goodbye Emily :(

I am writing a post say goodbye to 2014 

To say goodbye to a inspirational woman in this final part of this year.

and share good news about another of my Tx friends

Lots of change has also happened in our family.  

 We have spent a enjoyable time over Christmas as a family as my daughter Ellie has been back at home from university for the holiday. It was quite a change for all of us when she left to move to Manchester in September, It took a while for us all to adjust to Ellie not being around.
I got a cold not long afterwards which I thought might lead to a hospital admission, and for a couple of days it was touch and go. I was lucky But it bought home to me how quickly things can take a downturn and it left me feeling vulnerable.

My car went in for its MOT and is due to be returned at the end of january I shall be getting the same car again I hope and I have made a pact with myself to use the new car to do some traveling around in 2015 as this is my fourth year transplanted and I want to visit places from my past while I am able. 

 Lets face it no one knows what the future holds but as a lung transplant recipient this is particularly true. On my next anniversary in October I will be one of the 50%  who survive 5 years. 

Half the people who have a double lung transplant don't last over five years!

I am so blessed to be living this life and still well despite my diagnosis of chronic rejection that i dont want to waste any more time not doing the things I promised myself.           

This was brought home to me when I heard the very sad news that a inspirational Tx friend has lost her battle with serious complications following a second lung transplant

Emily Thackery

I have included 15 facts about Emily that she posted in 2011 as part of a 30 day photo challenge with this photo.

1. I am a natural blonde, in both hair colour and brain.

2. I have a strong belief in the power of positive thinking; even when you can't change your situation, you can change your perspective.

3. I have 2 sisters, who I love very much and who are currently too far away for my liking.

4. Family and friends are the most important things to me.

5. I've been "officially" written off twice. And I'm still here. Take that, Grim Reaper.

6. My favourite colour is still pink, although now I'm older and more mature (HA) it's a little more discrete.

7. I have a very vivid imagination. This can be a good thing, but it can definitely be a bad thing as well.

8. I love reading and attribute that to my parents and their house, which is full to the brim with books.

9. I adore pretty shoes but cannot walk in heels to save my life.

10. I collect little quotes and sayings which put things far more succinctly than I ever could.

11. I love learning and believe I can learn from everyone I meet. At some point in the future, I'd quite like to take up study of some sort again.

12. I used to be quite the little grunger - black makeup, baggy jeans, heavy metal music, the works.

13. In many ways I feel quite mature for my age, but in many others I feel hugely out of my depth and think I belong back at school with some of the kids I teach.

14. I've always been a poser; I was in a dettol advert as a toddler and modelled knitting patterns for a magazine.

15. I'm quite petite, and I rather like being small. Until my year 7 pupils tower above me that is.

I meet Emily in January 2012 when I attended the speakers project run by LLTGL a charity Emily started with her friend and won award for in 2011

She was a great support to me and many many others and will be missed by so many people.
I last saw Emily in clinic before she was admitted to Harefield with a serious deterioration in her lung function that turned out to be something that couldn't be fixed and although she got another transplant it was not successful

Emily had got her transplant in January 2007 and had many great years of extra life and had a daughter Sophia.

She passed peacefully on 28 December.2014  

You can read more about Emily at her blog PinkandSmiley and please visit and support LLTGL

Finally Emily's sister Abigal set up a page for donating to Harefield Hospital who looked after Emily at 

Just Giving - Sending Love to Emily

I will miss you Emily and you will be missed by so many in the transplant community

Rest in Gods embrace xxx

❤
Emily's favourite quotes on her facebook 

 seems very relevant at the moment

"I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it." - Groucho Marx

"Attack life, it's going to kill you anyway."

The other piece of news I have to share is good I also received news from another friend on facebook and someone I follow on this blog Claire who writes  My World has been lucky enough to receive her best christmas present ever of a new Kidney

She posted 

As most of your know. Operation went well and kidney is working. Just had a scan and everything is looking great! Still very sleepy and in pain but apart from im doing well.

I wish her all the best with her new life and hope her recovery will be quick and uneventful

As I look forward to the new year what do i want? 

All the best things for All my friends may their wishes all come true 

Continued Good Health for my transplant Friends and myself

and time to live my life to the fullest 

to all my readers and friends

Have a very happy 2015