In the words of Ronan Keating: Life is a rollercoaster, you've just gotta ride it...*

I'VE shed a lot of tears in 2009.

Some came through joy and wonder as I lapped up sights I thought I'd never see, surrounded by people who love me or by the most fantastic of newly-found friends.

Anyone who has followed this blog over the last 12 months will know that blogging has taken me to the Bahamas and to Florida, to London and hey, Bognor Regis, among other places.

These were all incredible trips, brought about by the growing trend of PR people inviting bloggers to sample their wares.

It was amazing to swim with dolphins in Nassau, to snorkel with stingrays at Disney's private Castaway Cay and to ride the brilliant Rockin' Rollercoaster at Hollywood Studios three times.

But what made these trips extra special was the people with me.

I never thought I would see the day when Neil screamed with laughter on a white-knuckle adventure. It's a good few years since he was diagnosed with cancer before getting the all clear and more than a year since he last lost his job, but it has taken some getting over.

Back in the spring I met some of the loveliest women I could ever meet as seven mumbloggers ventured to sample five-star hospitality courtesy of Mickey and Minnie.

My fellow bloggers made one hell of an impression on me, and it's no exaggeration to say I feel my life is richer for having forged friendships with them.

(That's Alice, Lulu, Jane, Becky, Erica and Laura in case anyone was wondering.) 

Recalling these journeys is pretty predictable I would imagine. They are undoubtedly highlights of 2009. There were other trips too. We won a weekend in London for my birthday. I got to see Jill Halfpenny jive on the Strictly Come Dancing tour as a surprise treat. In the summer, we hit Skomer and saw the puffins.

At work, we have had to work harder to survive and flourish. We've been hit by problems all too familiar to small businesses across the UK. There have been some great moments though and if I stopped to think about it, I hope it would be fair to say I could be a little proud at some of the things we achieved this year.

Two books came out that I had contributed to. I oversaw the publication of a new book of comedy writing to raise money for charity. Dave Spikey submitted an exclusive story. Stephen Fry wished us well. The judges picked a story I submitted anonymously. I was cock a hoop. An agent later read the story (thanks to a lovely blogger) and gave me some very encouraging feedback. In 2010 I hope I can write more.

But a different kind of sadly repeated "highlight" closer to home makes my heart leap in the way no other could.

In January, someone I love dearly was homeless. The despair and depression this unleashed in those closest to me was crushing. Away from the Bahamas, the swanky hotels and the debates about how blogs are being 'taken over' by PR, I've been battling a tide of family illness.

At one point I thought it would drown us.

My dad suffered an agonising and potentially killer disease. He saw four doctors before one sent him straight to hospital, the other three telling him he had an upset tummy. By the time he reached casualty, doubled up in pain, he couldn't speak.

He was operated on that night and we were told to expect the worst.

At the same time, my father in law was in hospital 50 miles away. He'd had open heart surgery and didn't wake up for more than a week. Then he succumbed to a hospital bug that has claimed many lives. Again, we feared the worst.  

They both recovered.

But that left two other close family members desperately ill. Their disease is one that carries with it a great stigma, that's why I don't say out loud here what it is they went through. I will happily discuss my own experience of mental illness but I won't be recounting what happened to the people I love.

In the midst of one episode, I texted Neil: This is fucking awful.

I heard things on that day and others that still fill my eyes with tears if I stop to think about them.

So I don't.

But asked what my biggest highlights of 2009 were, I have to say, the days I knew my family were getting better.

I've written this post as a response to Liz at Livingwithkids who tagged me after recounting her own. If you are reading this, I tag you too...But please don't worry if you don't want to respond!

*Seemed a good idea for a title at the time. God love you, Ronan.

Comments

[Liz (LivingwithKids)]

Lovely writing as always, Linda. Much love and best wishes for a slightly easier ride in 2010 x

[English Mum]

What an absolute rollercoaster, Linda, you're right. I'm delighted to have made your acquaintance in 2009, you have the biggest heart and dirtiest laugh and know that all of us 'Disney 7s' will stay friends forever.

Huge hugs to you and here's hoping for a more peaceful 2010! xx

[Laura]

Ah, god love Ronan.

You've had one hell of a ride this year Linda.

Just so you know you are definitely one of my highlights! So glad I've met you. Hopefully we'll meet again in 2010.

[notSupermum]

That's a packed year alright Linda, I hope the highs have helped you to overcome the lows.

Keep writing, cos I want to keep reading. Happy New Year!

[Rosie Scribble]

Wow. That's quite a year. Hope 2010 is less dramatic and that the rollercoater levels off for a while. It has been fabulous to gte to know you in a virtual sense over the last few months. One of my highlights is getting to know special people in the blogosphere, but I'm welling up now so I'll stop there ....

Happy New Year! Hugs xx

[Insomniac Mummy]

I hope the new year is memorable for you for happy reasons this year!

You're always a pleasure to read.

Happy New Year to you and yours!

xxx

[Linda]

Thanks for such lovely comments. Happy New Year all and please hold me to my resolution of losing six stone. :)

[Family Affairs]

You've had the rollercoaster year and not the roundabout....good and bad. Which whilst very stressful at least keeps things interesting. Sorry about the bad bits but thanks for being mentioned in the good bits! Love you!! Happy New Year and lets hope we find lots of reasons for meeting up in 2010 Lxxx

[Dulwich Divorcee]

Lovely Linda, it's been such a pleasure, thanks to you my vocabulary has expanded enormously and I will never look at Mickey in the same way again. Wishing you and your family HEALTH and happiness in 2010, lots of love, Alice xxxx

[Linda]

Hi Alice and Lulu, yes we must meet up! Thanks a million for your lovely comments.

[RamonGustav]

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