a dear friend

It's not often that I am lost for words.

I've tried to write this post in my head all week

and just can't quite work out where to start.

Blogging has brought many lovely people into my life;

a network of friends who reach out to share in life's sorrows and joys,

with just the right words of support and encouragement.

And some of those lovely people have gone on to become my real life, bonafide, in the flesh friends;

and Kerry is one of those.

Kerry is a beautiful, strong, talented lady

who cruelly suffered from a brain haemorrhage in the summer.

She has been fighting to get back to her family ever since

but a series of infections and setbacks means that her husband and three young children are having to cope without her.

I cannot even begin to imagine how devastated they must all be feeling

and how confusing it must be for her children to understand.

Her devoted husband has kept her blog alive in her absence

by posting updates on her progress

as well as photos of the children as Kerry always used to.

Yesterday he uploaded this beautiful tribute to his beautiful wife . . .

Kerry and her family are never very far from my thoughts.

Because she lives so near to me

I have had the pleasure of meeting up with her quite a few times;

so as well as meeting up at the Tots100 Christmas Party, CybHer and BritMums

we've also taken the children to the zoo together,

been out for drinks

and I've been round to hers on a few play dates.

. . . I miss her . . .

When I was pregnant and nervous about looking after two under two

she really reassured me,

she had three under two at one time after all

and I've never seen such a chilled and together mummy.

She just takes it all in her stride

and her children are an absolute credit to her.

She was adamant that my baby was going to be a girl

(and rightly so!)

and it makes me sad to think that she hasn't been able to meet my beautiful girl yet

as I know that she would have been round here like a shot for some newborn snuggles.

It's a desperately sad and helpless situation,

and I know that the blogging community has been itching to do something to help.

So today is #Healing4Kerry day

and we were all sending all the positive energy and prayers that we can muster in her direction

in hopes that we can make a difference.

Lots of blogs today will be sharing their wishes and prayers for her and her family

so here is mine.

"Keep fighting Kerry.

So many people miss you

and can't wait to hear the news

that to you are finally on the mend.

So keep using that grit, determination and strength that you are made of

and get well soon."