Surely in this technological age it wouldn’t take too much to design and manufacture a left handed camera? I’m a right handed photographer so didn’t give this a thought before Tommy was born with a missing right hand. He is now at an age where he is curious about everything but he loves my camera. Let’s be honest he rarely sees me without it. He is … Continue reading Why are there no left handed cameras?
The run up to Christmas is always busy but this year everything feels very strange. It’s sad that mum isn’t here and dad is struggling. Its wonderful that Layla-Jane grows a little every day and that Tommy is just so amazing. Its very much sadness and joy all mixed in. Fundraising from the Dearne, trying to publicise our den book (On Amazon here )have been highlights … Continue reading A strange time of year
For the past two years Cathy (@cathy_cross) and I have met regularly in Manchester (sort of half way between Barnsley and Liverpool). We have a favourite cafe and we have spent hours there just throwing around ideas and drinking huge cups of coffee. We promised ourselves that when the book was completed we would celebrate here- with cake. I think you will agree that this is … Continue reading Celebrating den building
…you encounter an amazing group of people. This morning I had the privilege of thanking a group of around 1,000 pupils who had ALL, along with staff, parents and the community, raised £5,600 to build a classroom in Kakuma Refugee Camp. The classrooms such as the one above are in a desperate state and often house classes of anything up to 200 children. The morning … Continue reading Sometimes …
I’ve tried to ignore the impending chaos and panic that Christmas inevitably brings. Yesterday my neighbours decorated the outside of their house with lights. I am groaning – it’s too early! It will however, shortly be December so I wanted to propose an alternative to Christmas cards. I won’t be trying to remember who lives at what number, sending cards from ‘Number 2’. I won’t … Continue reading An alternative to Christmas Cards
Today would have been mum’s birthday- the horrendous months of May and June seem a lifetime away and life has moved on. It hasn’t moved on for dad who is struggling without her. I still think ‘I’ll just ring mum’ then remember I can’t. Ive just had a text from my cousin saying ‘thinking of you’ – it’s these little things that matter. We all … Continue reading Remembering
Yesterday was nerve wracking. My daughter in law was in labour and we were eagerly awaiting the arrival of Tommy’s sister Layla Jane We distracted ourselves at the farm, met reindeers, had coffee and checked my phone every few minutes. Layla was born at 10.20 last night – Tommy was ready with his big brother t shirt and his present for Layla this morning. We … Continue reading Happy tears
Six months ago I was invited into the Dearne ALC to talk about my experiences at Kakuma refugee camp.I was hoping that they would support us in our bid to raise money for classrooms there. We had witnessed appalling conditions and taught classes of over 200 children. I’ll be honest though I didn’t Know how much these pupils could raise as I knew it … Continue reading Making a difference
None of us know what the future holds. None of us know how our lives will pan out. I’m sure there are times when you look back and say ‘if only’. Mum’s dementia caused lots of ‘if only’ moments. ‘If only she could have told us how she felt, if she understood why we had to have her placed into care, if she forgave us, if … Continue reading Write a letter to your loved ones
Two years in the making, lots of laughs, disasters, tears (mainly from caretakers when Cathy broke something) – chaotic days of den building, pom pom making, cardboard cutting have resulted in our book finally being almost ready to send to print. It has a smart new cover, an ISBN number and is available to pre order on Amazon HERE We have some lovely pre reviews on … Continue reading Den Building
Jane Hewitt 