I wonder what kind of a Christmas you have had. Too much food, drink and Christmas TV?
TV at Christmas is always a challenge in that your favourite programme is always at a different time and on a different day. On the 6th of January it will all return to normal again. There have been two programs on at Christmas that have touched me and made me think. The first was Si King, one of the Hairy Bikers, paying tribute to his mate Dave Myers. There were 46,000 bikers who took part in the journey to Barrow to acknowledge the impact that Dave had had upon their lives. It was very inspiring and the message that I took from the show was that being yourself is always enough.
The second TV programme was the Princess of Wales’ Carol Service, this may come as a surprise to those that know me! The message that Catherine shared herself, the message of the Bishop of Westminster and the overall content of the service was beautiful. There was one moment in the Carol Service that brought a tear to my eye when Chris Hoy lit a candle. A candle always speaks to me of light and hope and Chris has so openly shared his story of this last year, he shared with strength and hope for years to come. Imagine how I felt on Christmas Day when Jean gave me the book “Sir Chris Hoy - All That Matters”. I love autobiographies, and this one brings into perspective all the things that Chris has shared over the last few months. They say you should never put people on a pedestal as they will fall off. Well, I am sure I have fallen off a few pedestals through the years. It’s what you do to get back up again that shows character. I am not worried about putting Chris Hoy on a pedestal and if he were to fall off, I hope I would be there to pick him up again.
The beginning of a New Year is often a time to reflect on the previous year. both the highs and the lows. As a Forget Me Note the lows are found in the people who are no longer with us. The term “Once a Forget Me Note always a Forget Me Note” is not just for now it is for ever. The memories we share of people who are no longer with us are inspiring and the people will always have a place in our hearts. To those who are entering a New Year without a partner, a parent, a friend, then please be assured of our support and our continued thoughts.
When it comes to highs there have been so many, the obvious ones are the two TV appearances that we made. The ones I will personally remember are the interactions with people where through music we received unexpected responses. The gentleman at Marian House whose eyes light up when we appear, the wonderful comments that are made by the wife of a couple we support at Ashbrook. There are so many moments that I could list at the various places we have been throughout 2024, and if 2025 offers the same opportunity I for one will be a happy man.
I wonder what you hope for from 2025?
Personally, I hope for the opportunity to be the best husband, Dad and Grandad I can be. To be the best Forget Me Note to those that we support. My hope for Forget Me Notes is that we can find some trust funds who will give us some money so that we can continue to be a beacon of support to the people who need us.
Happy New Year!