A New Furry Pencilcase

My pre work shopping trolley 

I'm feeling the lurve this morning
Tomorrow is my first shift at the hospice...at last

I was in the supermarket when a couple of texts, an email entitled " Bra Straps" and a Twitter message came in together alongside an invitation to tea
All more or less said the same thing
" Good Luck for the new job"
Which is nice.

I'm feeling, today, is a kind of " Dear Diary" sort of moment.
Going Gently has been a dear confidant to me
Over the past 18 months
Week by week, It, and you it's readers have soaked up my distress and celebrated my milestones, with a mixture of sweet positivism, pithy humour and occasional exasperation and I can now see how things have changed even though over the past year I often lost my perspective.

I thought about this, only this morning when one message I received was from an acquaintance who has recently split up from his partner who also, rather unfortunately, works in the same University department.
I asked him how he was doing and his choice of words stabbed at me like a knife
" I'm struggling" he shared honestly
And I realised gratefully, that I am no longer struggling with that awful pain, and need for honesty and truth I felt so many months ago.

Now don't get me wrong, that recent emotional battering I gave myself at my father in law's funeral was the most painful episode I have experienced since the day my husband actually walked out of the cottage.
But I can remember things more affectionately than I once did

Something I did this morning at the supermarket.

When Chris changed jobs from Preston to Leeds and from Leeds to Sheffield, I often bought him some silly things to mark the event.

Once I bought him a new pencil case complete with shiny new pencils, pens and a rubber , one like your mum would do before your first day back at school.
Other time it was a gift of a homemade pencil desk tidy made from a cat food tin.
And this morning I treated myself to my own " furry pencil case"  in the shape of a new lever arch file in which I can organise my documents, training, learning objectives and correspondence from the hospice.
I even bought myself a set of posh new pens to go with it
A gift to myself.......

Tomorrow, that first shift will mark my final steps towards self determination and self sufficiency.
It's going to be a struggle, and the T 's are yet to crossed and the I's dotted but I feel proud that I have finally done it with only one or two queeny moments of silliness

And I apologise for banging on so much and for so long.

This week, I start work.
This weekend I also have a date with a bloke !
A nice , ordinary , interesting bloke who will, I am sure, become a very good friend if we just get on as friends.
I am, at last , Going Gently
Going Forward........Going Forward gently

144 comments:

  1. This post cheered me up this morning. Enjoy your new job and your future. x

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  2. Every good wish John - I hope that you enjoy your new beginning and I am sure it will be a success. How exciting - looking forward to turning my computer on each morning and seeing what you and your pets are up to. Kia Kaha from NZ

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  3. So happy things are looking up for you at last! Wishing you much success and happiness in the new life you've worked so hard to achieve!

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  4. Break a leg darling. Preferably the middle one ;)

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    1. Ooh no, breaking the "middle" one would hurt way too much, and who knows, might even interfere with your date!

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    2. Perhaps just give it a good beating lol

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    3. Mav-is you will put on the naughty step

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  5. As the old saying goes ‘when you slide down the bannister if life make sure he splinters are pointing the other way’. Good luck in your new job and I hope your date goes well😘

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  6. Oh wow ! What a positive post. I am so happy for you. I've listened to friends and " struggling " is a frequently used word. I'm glad you are no longer struggling.

    Good luck with your new job x

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  7. Hurrah!
    What a fabulous week!

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  8. A good day...hope tomorrow is even better.

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  9. Anyone who's been through a relationship break-up will recognise what you have been through. It takes time. It's a rollercoaster, there will still be times ahead when it all comes back and hits you, but they are fewer and further apart. You have been very honest, and you have come out of the relationship with something priceless – your self-respect intact. You're moving on, I wish you the very best of luck in the job and I hope your date is fun. It's been an honour to share your journey with you.

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  10. What a wonderful positive post. I hope the new job is fabulous....they are very lucky indeed to have you!

    And a date.....how exciting....

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  11. After 35 years of marriage, my first wife decided she no longer wished me to be part of her life, and I was compelled to leave the matrimonial home. This left me homeless and all but destitute and I entered the dark tunnel of depression which lasted over a year.

    I was fortunate enough to meet the lady who is now my wife and can look back on those 35 years and realise how stressed and unhappy I really was.

    Pleased to read you are now emerging from what I guess is a similar dark tunnel.

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  12. Jacqui Fenner-Dixon11:33 am

    Loving your positivity and hoping you have a great day tomorrow John x

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  13. Brilliant post, so pleased to read this, onwards and upwards.

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  14. thats all we can really do with this life John....

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  15. Way to go John! All the very best of everything you wish yourself as you set out on this new venture. You have coped so well with all the ups and downs of the past year or so and have come through shining, kindly and with your integrity intact. Well done you...... hugs Ro xxx

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  16. Good luck with everything this week. You deserve every happiness.

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  17. Great post, the best is yet to come.

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  18. I feel the smile in this post. Wishing you all the best as you begin your new job. I hope you find people there who make you laugh. I always treat myself to new pens or Sharpies (markers) each year that I return to work. :) -Jenn

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  19. Anonymous11:48 am

    Dearest John. We have all been with you through your pain and uncertainty. We have picked up every nuance. Lol, you were once retired! What you are now working for is worth it. Your village clearly loves you and they along with your blogmates are so pleased to know you are staying at the village with the unpronounceable name. Upwards and onwards, and we are prepared for a loss of pet or two soon.

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  20. Yay! Best of luck for tomorrow - I know it will go well. Looking forward to hearing all about it.

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  21. Am so glad that you are finding your way and living each day as it comes. There will still be wobbly moments but you are getting there in your own inimitable way and at your own pace. What you have learned will help others as you always pay it forward and it is only experience itself that is the teacher; although I often wish the lessons were not so painful. Well done and hope tomorrow goes well. Hugs Pattypan x

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  22. Reading your post was a great way for us to start our days! All the best John. You got this. X

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  23. Going forward gently is so perfect. Good luck with the new job and hope the date is fun.

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  24. What a lovely post.

    You've come so far this past 18 months, and with such openness and honesty. I hope us readers have helped in a small way to keep you grounded, I find blogging about good times and bad means you keep you tapping aWay at your keyboard and then because of this everything is out in the open and hopefully means some of the weight and claustrophobia of sadness is off your chest.

    Good luck for tomorrow ... and at the weekend. 🍾❤🌻

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  25. Friends are wonderful things. They keep our head level and our heart full. I am glad you are blessed by so many!

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  26. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes! Good luck with your new job and a new outlook. You are the best.

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  27. John, I am just so very happy to hear that life is finally picking up for you. I'm sure you will enjoy your new job just as they will enjoy having you there.

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  28. You wrote this Going Forward Gently perfectly. You have said good bye to your yesterdays, embraced growth and are moving on to new adventures. I wish you God speed and much satisfaction and joy in all you pursue.

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  29. That light at the end of the tunnel has finally got bigger and brighter. Good luck with the new job. xx

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  30. Anonymous12:36 pm

    Good luck with the first day, hope you remembered to' wear in first ' those new shoes if applicable.
    Tess x

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  31. Anonymous12:36 pm

    It was after 18 years of marriage and 3 children that I finally completed my nurse training. I then went to work in the local hospice and became a sister there. I often think the patients gave more to me than I gave to them. You are perfect for hospice work, a mixture of humour and compassion.At 77 I am long since retired

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  32. this is like the last episode of a riveting season and now we all wait on the edge of our chairs to hear what happens next. good luck to you john!!!

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  33. Go you good thing!! I hope you can treat yourself when your shift is over as well.

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  34. This is so wonderful! Good luck with your first day tomorrow and your date at the weekend also. So much to look forward to. x

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  35. Perfect description of how you deal with difficult times. You are going to be fantastic at your new job! Best of luck. Onward, always.

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  36. Lots of positive things to keep you busy over the next few days then! With apologies to the White Rabbit ... "a date, a date, a very important date".

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  37. Onward and upward John as I knew would happen eventually. Rome wasn't built in a day but by golly it is still standing firm now. I shall be thinking of you - hope everything goes well. Muchlove.

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  38. And in writing about it all this past year you have given others more hope and courage than you know. To see you pull yourself from the devastation and loneliness, the sadness and days and nights of darkness, you have shone a light on how it is possible to move forward, sometimes yes, gently. Sometimes with great difficulty but always forward.
    Thank you for that. And may each day become better and more light-filled for you. Look at all you have accomplished!

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  39. I'm so happy to read this post, John. Thank you. xx

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  40. I'm pretty sure that you have blogmates from all corners of the world, east west north south up down, who are doing exactly what I am doing: proud to "know' you and holding you close in their thoughts and wishing you every well-deserved happiness.

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  41. All good wishes, John.Both for the job and the coming weekend. X

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  42. Excellent. Rooting for you, John.

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  43. That's wonderful news John,that you have arrangements made for a date-how exciting.I hope he is a very kind man as you deserve the best.I'm sure he will be wooed by your sexy voice x

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  44. a new job, new office supplies, a DATE! what a week!

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  45. We're with you all the way, JayGee - and please be aware that our support for you is ever here. Very best wishes for this latest new phase of your super-eventful life.

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  46. I feel so happy to have read this post! A new life begins. You have come through so much with humour and dignity intact. So delighted too , that you can keep your beloved home.

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  47. Simply wonderful news...
    You, my dear friend have turned the corner, and life is meaningful and positive once again.
    Wishing you all the very best with your new job.
    ~Jo

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  48. It’s wonderful reading your news today. Wishing you all the best with your new job and your date at the weekend. Carol.x

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  49. Anonymous2:03 pm

    This is a heartwarming post ... triumphant and strong! We are right here cheering you on. You never gave up .,. Kept marching forward, doing the right things ... and now are reaping well deserved fruit of your efforts. So happy for you John... especially to hear about your date! Enjoy!
    Cali G

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  50. Life is often two steps forward and one step back. I often reward myself with new office supplies. I still shop the going back to school stuff, so I can stock up at the best price- my kids are in their 30's. All the best with the new job and the date.
    Barb

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  51. Happy forward, happy date, happy new friend, happy T's and I's.

    I likened it to a curtain hanging in a door and, finally, being able to pull it aside and see through. I hadn't stepped through to the other side yet but the path was cleared, easier to see.

    Happy going gently.

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  52. Barbara Anne2:26 pm

    Most excellent! It's all about forward progress, not speed.

    I've meant to ask if your hospice job will keep you in an end of life hospital like setting or if you will be on the road, visiting hospice patients in their homes?

    This time of year as school starts, I buy new pens, paper, and occasionally crayons.

    Hugs!

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  53. wishing you all the best!

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  54. Good for you John. I wish you all the best.

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  55. Good that things are working out for you.

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  56. Your apple cart was turned over but I always knew that you would right yourself and move on with strength.

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  57. Good luck with the new job and I hope the date goes well, no, very well!

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  58. Good luck with the new job, and the date! You deserve happiness and I hope these things lead to that.

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  59. What a wonderful post and I am so happy for you !
    parsnip

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  60. Anonymous3:38 pm

    Sock it to 'em John! xxx

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  61. Here here to the last line of your post today John, I will do the same. Thankyou and all the very very best. I think i have just been inspired to update my stationery! Hwyl Suz x

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  62. Been waiting for this post for a long time. You did it John!

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  63. You are being good to yourself not just others..good to hear you relaxing and moving on xx

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  64. You sound so sad, so wistful. It is hard to let go, isn't it. Best wishes for a happier future.

    lizzy

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    1. I'm not sad... but yes in some ways wistful there are things I would have wanted and still want regarding my separation from my husband but it's happened
      And that will never happen... I'm moving on

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    2. I've been there.

      Good luck tomorrow! They' re gonna love you!

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  65. I will be thinking of you. First days in a new job can take it out you.
    Good to take stock every now and again. Then you see how far you have come!

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  66. Sometimes that's just what you need. Not a huge thing, just some small thing that can make you smile, or just plan on something not so bound up in the past. You take care of you!
    Hugs,
    Cat

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  67. I'm pleased for you John x

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  68. Your blog is the first thing I read every morning. You are part of my day. Lovely to hear of your progress. Good luck in the new job...... I wish you every happiness x

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  69. Good luck on your first day. Often you feel like a spare part but soon become one of the gang.
    Hope the future includes a person who makes you feel special.

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  70. Heidi4:46 pm

    I loved this post. Happy for you. We all need a new furry pencil case sometimes. Good luck on the date!

    Also, reading these comments, you're so obviously loved. From a distance but even so - Loved.

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  71. This post made me smile. Good luck with your new job John. A new challenge to get your teeth into. Looking forward to all the gossip about your date xx

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  72. I'm picturing you standing at the edge of a new world, one that's brighter and sunnier. And it's there because you worked for it. Onward :)

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  73. Best wishes for all your new adventures.

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  74. Blogging is self care.
    I have always maintained that we blog for ourselves and then for our readers. They are a happy consequence of our thoughts put up for the world to see.
    I’m with you with the buying of silly mementos to commemorate tiny events in the lives of those we love.

    XoXo

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  75. This is the first day of the rest of your life

    Onwards and upwards

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  76. I don't often comment, but I wanted to add my felicitations! Chapeau!! to you. This is a post that made me smile.

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  77. This post made me teary and happy. All the very best, John!. x

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  78. good for you, good luck with the new job, hope you enjoy your date xxx

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  79. Morag5:29 pm

    I have no doubt that you're a perfect fit for the hospice job, and wish you happy landings, fulfilment and renewal in your professional life. Being valued and doing a valuable job in an environment where you can use your interpersonal and professional skills will be so good for you.

    And I hope you have a fun and interesting time at the weekend. Onwards! :) xx

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  80. What a wonderful post! Very best wishes that all goes well, going forward - at the Hospice, with the dog-walker and most importantly with you, John. - Rosemary x

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  81. Best of luck with the new job, I'm sure you'll be great. Don't forget, new pants and socks for the date, but most of all......ENJOY YOURSELF x

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  82. I'm sitting here crying not like me at all, but they are tears of joy I feel happy for you John and excited for what lies ahead, your in a good place embrace it.

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  83. Such a nice post. I am glad you are rediscovering happiness.

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  84. Good luck with the new job and the date - friend or more, who knows what the future holds :)

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  85. Just ending love

    Anne

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  86. Good luck tomorrow. You have loads of love, success and happiness ahead of you.

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  87. You really do seem to have turned a corner John. There may be emotional slippage but the worst of the pain is behind you. Good luck in your new job!

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  88. Heather6:36 pm

    Good luck with the new chapter in your life. X

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  89. Dear John, I left you (as is my wont) a not that long message earlier on. Cut to nothing by my computer cutting out every few minutes (some electrical fault I suspect).

    Before it happens again, the short version: The last eighteen months you let us [your readers] into your life. Graciously.

    I salute you. I wish you well. With all my heart.

    Ursula

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    1. Could you please defrost it first?

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    2. I believe that Ursula means what she has said x

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    3. Thank you, Flis. You have, and continue to be, kind. Some aren't. Some are caught in a loop of, I don't know, what? Let's hope that they won't meet with what they dish out.

      U

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    4. My goodness, a message of goodwill!

      Regarding your sentence regarding meeting what is dished out I'm sure you'll need to be on the alert for a torrent! Ursula you're the nastiest person on here. Perhaps that's your intention.

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    5. Sue, I don't know what your beef is with me. You decree me "the nastiest person on here". As records go you certainly seem to be on a quest to beat mine.

      I like John. What I like even more is peace. Peace even in the face of, occasionally, differing opinions; different personal styles. If we, part of a (relatively) small blogging community can't keep the peace among ourselves, and keep talking to each other, then what hope is there for the rest of the world? The one thing I have been trying here (and other places) to prove is that one can be friends "despite of it".

      U

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  90. A new job, a new chapter and at the very least a new friend. My very best wishes to you. XXXXX

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  91. Yea, good luck at he new job and the beginning of a new friendship.

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  92. What a wonderful post! You will do great at this new opportunity. I know you will also make a positive difference for many which will in turn make a positive difference for you. All my best for your first day!

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  93. Onward, upward and forward. Gently does it.

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  94. WONDERFUL. On so many levels.

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  95. Hurrah! We’ve wept with you, and been uplifted by your stories and your courage. Now there’s some helium in the balloon we send to wish you well.

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  96. Good luck for tomorrow and felt a smile whilst reading your post, so pleased and so positive xx

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  97. John,
    What a pleasure to hear you are finally feeling yourself again. The strength you have shown going through the dark parts of this last year is amazing, and an inspiration to us all. Now you can take on life on your own terms and let no one dictate how you should live. Bravo!

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  98. That is such good news on all counts. Enjoy your new job and enjoy your date... You deserve someone kind... a kindred spirit

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  99. This is a lovely thing to wake up to. New beginnings. xoxoxo

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  100. Excellent! Sending you lots of hugs and attaboys for your new start.

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  101. Good luck with everything John.

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  102. Good on you, John. I'm sure you'll be a popular bloke at the hospice.

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  103. Glad you are now on a happy path. Enjoy :)

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  104. Hooray for new beginnings and going gently into them! :-)

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  105. Brava my good man. Good luck at the new job and I can't wait to hear a little bit about your date. :)

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  106. Thank you all for your support
    You have carried me over the past 18 months
    Carried me well xxx

    Nite nite

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  107. Nice :D Good night sleep tight don't let the bug bite. x

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  108. Joan (Devon)9:25 pm

    Just read this post and I am so proud of you and what you have accomplished both during and after your split with Chris. Sleep well!

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  109. Hi John, I rarely comment, but I'm here reading! Some of your past post have made my heart ache for you.Just wanted to let you know that this post made me so very happy for you! As I said I rarely post, just know that there is someone in Wisconsin cheering for you!!!

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  110. John, I love how you ended your post. I am, at last , Going Gently
    Going Forward........Going Forward gently. I will remember these words. Gentle is a good thing.

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  111. Good luck John , I know you are the best man for the job , if I ever need to use these facilities and have a say I would definitely choose you, good luck with all my heart 💟

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  112. I hope the first day was just grand. Sleep tight.

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  113. What a fantastic post... it had me grinning from ear to ear. I hope your first day went swimmingly and you felt welcomed... you will do brilliantly. A new job and a date...well, well, well the future is certainly bright. Good luck with it all!

    Jo in Auckland

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  114. Never doubted you'd reach this point....so very happy for you!

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  115. You're doing well, John!

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  116. So happy for you! ❤️

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  117. Very uplifting post, John. Lost you for almost a year but again back to your lovely blog.

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  118. "in bocca al lupo" as we say in these parts

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  119. EXCELLENT John. LOTS and LOTS of good luck in your new job and with going forward gently.

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  120. how wonderful. well done you .

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  121. I'm glad you're moving ahead and that it FEELS that way to you, too.

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  122. I've followed your blog for a while but rarely comment. Today I feel so happy for you with a new job and a date. On wards and up wards. Wishing you do much happiness on your new beginnings.
    Carol

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  123. That all sounds brilliant! Best wishes for Day 1 and the fresh start is brings!

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  124. Thinking of you and wishing you well dear John.
    Your honesty along the rough road of the past 18 months has been amazing, perhaps helping many of us to face up to life's ups and downs also.
    Love and hugs.

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  125. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  126. You are a sweet man and I'm glad that things have settled and you're feeling better. Time does heal. We don't forget but it doesn't hurt so much. Take care.

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  127. I hope you are having the most amazing day at your new job. Best step forward John. We are all cheering you on! xxx

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  128. I've been reading your blog off and on for a while and have finally decided to come out of hiding and comment. Although I still have to dig into your archives and start from the beginning so I know exactly what is going on, I know enough about your situation to say that you have a lot of support, and in times when life can be a struggle that support can make a big difference.

    Good luck in your new job. Change is good!

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  129. John I can see the smile on your face and feel the lightness of your heart, even way over here across the pond. So very happy and excited for you.

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  130. I read this hours ago and have randomly remembered all of the positive goodness in it a couple of times and smiled.

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  131. Amazing how a furry pencil case can lift the spirits.You have inspired me to buy one too.

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