Looming and Light
Operation Happiness!
The Looming: Laparoscopy
After months of pain and worry, the date for my operation to manage endometriosis got brought forward to June 2! It went better than I could have imagined- I can't explain how relieved I am. They thought I might need a second surgery in six months time, and I don't! However, even after explaining my previous reactions and concern with taking opioids, they wanted to try a new painkiller. Ever the optimist, I took it, and promptly had a severe allergic reaction including losing consciousness (which NEVER HAPPENS to me!) convulsing, and other symptoms that I won’t make you read. Overall, it was a huge success, and I am so grateful it was a more positive experience than last time, although it was still exceptionally painful and difficult. Thank you so much to my family for looking after me, and all the incredible friends who sent the most thoughtful care packages to keep my spirits up!
The Light: (at the end of the exceptionally long tunnel)
In a previous letter you might have noticed some [redacted] news… I am delighted to be able to share it with you now! My dearest brother and his fiancé are expecting their first baby! My sister-in-love, as we call each other, is simply one of the best people ever to exist, and I am so excited for both of them. It is so refreshing to have such happy news when the past few years have been seemingly relentless with misery! For context, please read this blog written by my brother ‘They’ve outlawed Cameron Diaz’, and share it so that we can raise awareness for the ableism and xenophobia that is so rife in the UK.
Thank you for reading! Please keep an eye on Tea with HB this July as it is Disability Pride Month and I’ve been working super hard on creating some more educational resources for you to read and share.
Love,
HB x
P.S Join Poetry Orchard for another life-enriching creative writing workshop! We’re looking at Taylor Swift’s reputation album through the lens of chronic illness- don’t miss out! More exciting events coming soon so be sure to follow along:
🍊☀️ Good News: Two of my close friends got engaged this month, so it’s safe to say I am bursting with joy! Love is all around!
🎶 Music: The Good Witch by Maisie Peters
Let me know if you’d like me to make a monthly spotify playlist? We could all contribute our favourite songs of the month!
📚 Book: I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeannette McCurdy
A fascinating and heart wrenching insight into the life of some child actors and mental health
📺 TV: The Office
I am struggling to enjoy Steve Carell being so obnoxious!
🍿 Movie: Anne of Green Gables
A journey of nostalgic bliss! One of my all time favourite stories.
🍜 Food: Pre and Post-op Phad Thai