Life is often taken for granted, and everyday things not appreciated enough. I now realise I’m very guilty of this. As many of you know, mainly because I mention it in every post, (I’m sorry) I’ve not been keeping too well lately. I’ve been in and out of hospital, I’ve lost more than 2 stone, I’m on a puree diet and pretty much bed bound with chronic pain.  So over the last few months I’ve started to write a list. A list of all the things I’m going to do when I’m better. So here is that list.

7 things I’m going to do when I’m better.

1. Indulge in food 

I LOVE food, so being on a puree diet has been hard to say the least! The first thing I’m going to do once I can eat food is order a Chinese takeaway. We don’t often go out for meals or order takeaways. However, we will treat ourselves just a little bit more when we can. I think a @DominosPizza, a meal at @lilcbarbq restaurant or a @tgifridaysuk will definitely be on the cards too.

2. Play games with my children

Once I can get out of bed or walk for more than 5 minutes I’m going to play with my children all day, and probably all of the next day and the next day too. Not being able to play with or hold my children has been the hardest part of being ill, I’ve really struggled with not being able to do all the things I use to. It’s also affected my daughter, she’s been so cautious around me. I can’t wait to tell her my stomach is better and she can come jump on me, tickle me, cuddle me and kiss me again.

3. Go on a family holiday

Whilst I’ve been ill I’ve missed out on a lot of things, two holidays included in that. Firstly, we had a family caravan holiday booked and paid for that we couldn’t go on. Secondly, I booked a 4 night romantic getaway to Gdansk for my wife’s birthday that we also had to miss. All flights and hotels were paid for and I stupidly never had insurance. So we lost out on our holiday and never got a refund.  Times will be tough and money will be tight but one lesson I’ve learnt is life is short and precious. So we are going to live a little and book a family holiday to get away from everything and relax.

4. Date night with my wife

My wife has been a saint during this hard time, not only has she had to be a single parent to our two young kids, she’s also had to care for me.  It’s been tough, we’ve had very hard days, but no matter how hard or stressful it’s been she’s found the strength to pull us all through. I’ll never forget how amazing and selfless she’s been and I WILL make it up to her. We will get dressed up, get a babysitter and go on a date night. I’ll book our favourite restaurant, then we can go for a walk, have a few cocktails and maybe a little dance too. But most importantly we will relax together, talk to each other for hours, hold hands, kiss and enjoy each other’s company.

5. Cut my grass 

This might seem a strange one for many of you reading this but I’m a gardener to trade and normally cut my grass every week when I’m well and able. So to not be able for two months now has been hard. It has been cut during this time and I’m so grateful to my wife and a few family members who have helped out, but compared to how often it use to get cut it has been neglected.

6. Go to a football match

Over the last few football seasons I’ve not been to a lot of matches; family life, the distance to travel and money soon made the trip to see my beloved @CelticFC a lot further down the list of priorities.  I remember a month ago, I was in hospital for the final game of the season, a game against my local team Aberdeen in the Cup final. Celtic scored a last-minute goal that helped them win the cup and go the whole season undefeated, I could picture my family (mainly my dad) going crazy with joy, but I was lying curled up watching the goal on hospital T.V  with my headphones in. I was in so much pain that I couldn’t even celebrate.

7. See my friends

Last but definitely not least. I can’t wait to spend quality time with my friends and their families again. There has been so many different occasions recently I’ve missed; birthdays, new babies, new houses, new pets or just a night out. Whilst I’ve had a lot going on, I know you’ve all had your own exiting things happening too. I’ve honestly wanted to be at ever single event to see you and celebrate with you and I want to apologise for not being there, however, I promise I will see you all soon for a good catch up and to make up for lost time.

So that’s just some of the things I’m most looking forward to doing when I’m better and healthy. I’m generally a very positive person anyway. But this hard time has just emphasised how important it is to be happy, enjoy the little things and to appreciate life more.

Thanks for reading

This real life Dad xx

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