Terrific service. I take my hat off to him.
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I remember the first time Dan went to Afghanistan. Towards the end of his tour I was informed a young marine from Blackburn was killed whilst on active duty. All lines of communication were closed and I didn’t know for a week if my son was dead or alive. I couldn’t tell his mum because she’d have gone bananas. I prayed for my son and then I received the news that it was another young marine that had died. The feeling of guilt that I was happy my son was alive has never left me. I met his parents at Remembrance that November and I was something I never wish to go through again.
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I think I know what you went through Simon, my son (RAF) was going on patrol with a newbie to the outfit, they flipped a coin as to who was to ride the lead vehicle. Adam lost the flip and rode in the second, the first hit an IED and the young lad was killed, Adam has never got over that and as parents we continue to feel guilty at the relief we felt. Terrible times.
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He’s making the long journey tomorrow along with his partner to come and see his dear old mum and dad. Can’t wait to see him 
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Proud dog-dad this weekend. Claire (Mrs 68) is up in Northumberland with our youngest springer, Mouse on a national MRSDE course. No pics as yet due to the shite mobile coverage, but expect to see red jackets/t-shirts and a spanner who looks like Bambi on ice
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Proud of Amy and Sam, whistle stop tour in Europe with the terrific South East Derbyshire Music Centre, an amazing experience for them both.
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Six months on and Claire things are still very much happening. This arrived this morning
I’ve always been proud of her, so this is just another reason to be.
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nice that they update you and give some context to the donation.
even nicer that she’s still helping strangers.
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That is amazing that they take the time to keep you updated, lovely!
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They do try very hard to be as sensitive and appreciative as they can. They had to phone me (they really did have to) very soon after Claire died. I was in a bad way. But still we had to talk about quite difficult details. They needed answers to medical questions that might well not have been covered in her hospital records. They explained that the corneas might not actually get transplanted and they asked, in that case, if they could be used for research purposes (I said yes). They had to explain that cornea donation involves them taking the whole eyes and replacing them with prosthetic ones. All this when I’d kissed her eyes closed just 3-4 hours earlier. It was the toughest of conversations and they were really good at it. They sent me a certificate of thanks and recognition and a few other bits and pieces.
To be honest though, knowing that both of the corneas have actually been transplanted makes the biggest difference for me. I would have been content if it hadn’t been possible. But it was, and that is so much better.
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So glad the nhs kept you updated
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I have everything crossed for niece #2’s results tomorrow (I think) and I’m not even related to her 
To any anxious parents out there: you have my greatest sympathies.
edit: “niece”, oops, context is everything
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Much relief and happiness in the Lovebucket household this morning as my son has been accepted by his first choice university of Warwick with A*, A and a B.
He is far more dedicated than I have ever been and worked really hard. I’m very proud of him.
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Conveniently located in Coventry…
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Maybe let him enjoy the moment
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Yeah, I know. It’s barely in Coventry though, any further out and you’re in open countryside.
Definitely not in Warwick though. 
That being said, Leamington has quite a bit of student housing for future years and a very good bus service to the Uni so I expect.to see him sunning himself in the Pump Room gardens in a couple of years time.
When we lived in Leamington in the 80’s we went to Warwick Uni for a few arts events. It did look like an attractive place then.
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Hopefully he won’t follow his father’s example of getting pissed for 18 months before dropping out…
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My 11yr old son just said, ‘mandem’ at me… fml
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