June and July

June and July are always such busy months for my household. Both of my Daughters have birthdays, as does my Mother-in-Law, so there is lots of preparation and planning and cake eating, all within the space of the last week of June to the second week of July. But these two months, since the birth of my Daughters, have always been my favourite time of year.

When the girls were younger, I was busy not just because of the birthday preparations but because I was a Junior School Chair of Governors and there were always numerous end of year events which I was expected to attend. I loved it, mind you. Happy children running from school to start the Summer holidays clutching their artistic efforts or certificates for spelling or sport were one of the highlights of being involved in Education.

In recent years June has meant EXAMS for both girls - GCSEs, AS Levels, A Levels and very soon, Degrees! 

 But last year, June was the month Misha first started showing symptoms of her illness. At the beginning of last July, she was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Disease; she passed away later that month.  Of course, I now have Rosie and Mowgli, who have both just celebrated their first birthdays in June and July to soften the memories of last year, but the months are now tinged with sadness for me.  Remembering losing Misha still has the power to reduce me to tears at the most inappropriate moments. Is there ever an appropriate moment?

So, I just wanted, no, needed, to say this...

Misha, 28 March 2003 - 24 July 2010

Misha, I miss you and cherish your memory every day.  I was blessed to have spent such wonderful times with you. 

June and July are still my favourite months, but now they are also months for reflection as well as celebration.