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a helluva year

Last night I felt like dancing around Wizard of Oz style, as the munchkins did to celebrate the death of the Wicked Witch of the East.  Part of me still does.  It is possibly the best news I've ever heard. 
 
Charlotte received the results following a scan she had last week that confirmed the alien's demise and departure.  It was all clear.  Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead!
 
She's cleared off.  Hopefully forever.  Charlotte can breathe a deep (and mindful) sigh of relief, and focus on moving forward.  2012 has been a helluva year.  We will make 2013 even bigger. 
 
So, the witch has gone.  She must now be kept at bay.  And Charlotte is well equipped to do that.  Her fridge is the home of anti cancer superfoods (of which I was the grateful recipient with yet more delicious home cooking).  Charlotte is, unsurprisingly, paying greater attention than ever, to what she puts into her body. 
 
Just like the Munchkins, who don't fully understand how Dorothy arrived from Kansas, we won't ever really comprehend the alien's arrival, or exit.  It's not important.  We need only celebrate the journey we've been on, alongside Charlotte - the true hero. 
 
Unlike the Oz city officials, we cannot be wholly sure that this dangerous intruder is undeniably and reliably dead.  For the time being, she has retreated.  There is an ocean between relief and contempt.  This witch demands respect.  She has challenged much we might previously have taken for granted.  But armed with humility we battle on.
 
In the words of Peter Andre - I'm not gonna lie, it's been a tough year.  It's been a helluva year.  Last night Charlotte acknowledged the part played very inexpertly by those of us who have been watching and waiting, rooting for her every step of the way.  We have had no option but to place our faith in the miracle of modern medicine, and trust the arduous process. 
 
10 months ago my world was brutally shaken as the terrible and terrifying 'Big C' turned up in my life making an unwelcome appearance having callously invaded the temple like body of my best friend.  My faith has been pushed to its limits, and restored in excess.  Miracles do happen. 
 
Tra-la-la-la-la-la-la.  It can be a truly merry Christmas.  And before then, a very happy birthday.  Life can return to some semblance of normality.  Charlotte returned to school and has almost completed Michaelmas term.  She is back on her bike, and yesterday made it out for her first run since the massive surgery she underwent in July.  She plans to enter a event in the first weekend of the holidays.     
 
Blue skies ahead - Charlotte riding in Yorkshire at half term
 
Big smiles after a smashing haircut in early October
 
Prize winning - London Womens Cycle Racing Awards 2012
 
I'm awestruck.  I really am.  My fundraising does not adequately reflect my deep gratitude to each and every professional whose brilliant care has taken the best possible care of my bestest friend.  My Double Challenge fundraiser total stands at over £2,700.  My Virgin MoneyGiving site remains open... 
 
 
 
 

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