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Sunday 25 August 2013

A new beginning

Four years ago my life changed. I went from being an independent, active person to someone who is housebound, unable to walk and totally reliant on my husband as my carer. All because of a hip infection.

My NHS orthopaedic consultant admitted that as it would be an extremely complex operation, he didn't have the necessary skills to repair the damage caused by the infection (it ate everything in it's path - skin, muscle, bone, even my metal hip joint). Instead of referring me to another consultant who could do the op, in his opinion I was coping well without a hip and that was the end of it.

The idea of spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair, looking at the same four walls and been completely reliant on others really did hit me hard.  I became depressed. 'Understandable', sympathised my GP, as she had known me long before this had happened. My mam and sister took a different view. They thought I should pull myself together and make the best of what I had.

One of our motto's is 'we will never be beaten' (the other, by the way, is 'dignity, always dignity'....) so we decided to try and find a private consultant who could perform the operation. After a lengthy search we eventually found Professor Cobb and I had hip surgery on 13th June.

Although I've had a slight set back with my hip I am confident that once my period of convalescence is over I should be in a position to learn how to walk again.

I've thought a lot these past four years about what would happen should I be able to walk again, and I've decided to use it as an opportunity for a new beginning - a new life.

I know it's all very slushy (totally out of character for both of us!!!!) but what better way of starting a new life than renewing your wedding vows. So that's what we're going to do when we're on our cruise next year. When I suggested the idea to Mr Gertie I said 'I'd like to get married again'. He replied, 'I hope it's to me....'.

There are a few more things I'd like to do with my 'new life' but the main one is setting up my own business designing and making one-off and limited edition bags and other handmade items. I know it's a huge undertaking as there are lots of others doing the same thing. However it's something that I really want to do so maybe starting a new life is the right time to do it.

Have a great week.

Gertie xx

PS why not pop over to Handmade Monday to see what other fellow craft bloggers have been up to.

17 comments:

  1. Fantastic idea! I do hope you are able to walk again and realise your dream. You seem to have coped well with still being creative whilst being dependent on Whizzy so all of that should stand (lol) you in good stead for a the future. Look forward to reading about your plans and progress. xx

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  2. Renewing your vows is not slushy at all I think its absolutely fantastic and yes to new beginnings. I'm sure you will be able to move around again otherwise the new consultant wouldn't have gone ahead with it. :)

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  3. What a lovely thing to do and I admire your determination to not let your blip in life to stop you doing what you really love. I hope that it's a roaring success.

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  4. You go girl get out there and prove that under achiever Doctor wrong. I think renewing your vows is great, especially as you are just about to get to a better bit in your life.

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  5. You have had a very hard few years and I can certainly see why you would want to start again. I think that it is a very natural response. I wish you every bit of luck and will be shouting and cheering you along. xx

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  6. Hehe :) I had to laugh at Mr Gertie's quip! I think its a lovely idea to renew your vows as part of your 'new life', what better way to celebrate than with the one you love! I say go for it with your business idea too - life is for living! Its so lovely to hear how positive you're feeling :) x

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  7. How lovely, I don't think that is slushy either. I often feel I'd like to do something like that, though think I really just want the wedding again. But am sure I would enjoy it all more a second time. And go for it with the business too.

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  8. Thinking of you warmly and please dont give up. Get stronger.

    It's a beautiful thing to renew the vows with your hubby. This will give you more hope and reassurance for the recovery days.

    take care x

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  9. Hi Gertie, I am new to your blog and didn't realize you have had difficulties with your hip for so long. I admire your determination and good for you to find another doctor who could help you. I prayer for your continued recovery so that you can have a fabulous time on your cruise when you renew your vows!

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  10. A lovely post Gertie, and renewing your vows will be wonderful. Look forward to reading about your bag-making success in the future - very exciting. Hope you have a good week.

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  11. It sounds a wonderful plan!
    Renewing your vows will be very special I'm sure, and with your determination (and skills of course!) I'm sure you will succeed with your other plans :)

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  12. I don't think you realise just how inspiring you are to other people. You've had a terrible time, but your posts are always full of positives. I think its a fantastic idea to renew your vows, and start your own business too!

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  13. Go for it! Your work is wonderful and I'm sure a business promoting and selling it will be very successful. You really have had a tough time so I think everyone totally understands your feelings of starting a new life - you've only got one so make the most of every minute! Hope you have a good week x

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  14. You should give it a go even if you feel there are a lot of other people who do the same thing because I am sure you have something special to contribute. You are so inspiring and you deserve to do what you love.

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  15. Thanks for sharing your story, it was lovely to read and I am so glad you didn't give up. Finger crossed you'll be up and running soon. I think your plans sound wonderful and I look forward to reading more about them.
    Ali x

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  16. Brilliant idea on renewing your vows. Your determination is an inspiration. I couldn't begin to imagine how I would cope, having to go through what you've had to in the past four years.

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  17. I was fortunate enough to be nominated for a Liebster Award last week - and now I nominate you! Read my blog post http://lovenatalieuk.blogspot.co.uk/ to see how it works x

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