WOYWW 385 - apologies for my absence

Apologies gentle desk dashers for my absence. These last few weeks have been a whirlwind of rest, birthday celebrations and awards. 

So firstly I'll share my desk and then I'll share a few pics from some amazing wonderful moments that we've had of late.

 That there pile is my efforts of Christmas card making. A simple design that I stamp and change by using different colour washi tape. You can see a skeleton design on the top. I've tweaked and improved it since.

 Blazing sunshine this morning. 

So Keagan turned 18 on the 6th October. He booked some time off work so he could come home. We had a lovely day spent with family and friends. We went out for a family meal in the evening where at the end my brother, Danny, exclaimed that it had been the most soberist 18th he had ever celebrated!! (Keagan enjoys the odd drink but doesn't like to go mad, unlike my brother!)

I bought Keagan 18 presents which included a birthday balloon and every present reflected hobbies & things he likes. I spent hours trying to find the right gifts without spending an absolute fortune. I managed it in the end much to Keagan's amusement. There was a travel mug with 'Keep calm & race pigeons' on it, a Tour De France t-shirt, a Level 18 complete gaming t-shirt, a WWE PS4 game, Bristol Rovers gifts & Liverpool Fc socks plus his favourite biscuits & sweets to name some of his presents.

 The word art I designed & framed.

 The 'let's embarrass birthday boy with a cake in front of all the pub' moment complete with birthday song!

Keagan was rather amused by his balloon!

The 'we have to take a photo' moment at the end of the night!

 

So that's the birthday now onto something I'm absolutely bursting with pride about. On Fri 14th Oct we attended Banes Carer's Centre annual awards that were presented by Ali Vowles (BBC Points West and Radio Bristol). Now we knew a couple of weeks in advance but it didn't stop me feeling so very proud of my boy.

 

Keagan was presented with Banes Young Carer's Sporting Achievement award to honour his amazing achievements to date. He was very chilled about it saying

'It's just my job, it's what I do'

Now we all know how hard Keagan has worked to just get where he is now, and we know there's still many many years of hard work to come. In case you missed it, in the last year Keagan has attended The British Racing School in Newmarket (the best horse racing college in the world) & now works & is continuing his BRS education at Jeremy Scott Racing where he is working hard to prove himself with the plan to eventually get his jockey licence.

 

We both hope Keagan's story will inspire other younger young carers to chase their own dreams. To realise that you can chase and achieve them.

 

Here's some pics from that wonderful evening - 

 Keagan receiving his award

 

 Me and Ali

 I think you can clearly see how much I was bursting with pride right here in this photo!

 

Right sorry for the long post but I wanted to share what's been keeping me busy. Inbetween I've not been well so have rested on my bed most days - this has allowed me to just be able to enjoy what's happened.

Pop over to Julia's WOYWW

to join in and link up.

 

Take care Zo xx