Samantha Street

Firstly, thank you to all who are following my new venture. It's so rewarding to hear your feedback on the blog and I am loving hearing of your own inspiring stories of overcoming adversity... X

A little insight to me and how 'When life gives you lemons' came to be..

In 2013, life as I knew it began to change. I began journal writing as a way of coping as our lives began to unravel around us. It was my way of getting out what I couldn’t put into words.

I found out, whilst pregnant with our 2nd son, that I was facing Open Heart Surgery to remove a 44mm tumour in my Aortic Valve and repair an enlarged PFO (Hole in the Heart) between my left and right atrium.

It was an emotional roller coaster. With the day to day up’s and downs of life.. the possibility of my husband losing his job, the arrival of our second son, the news he needed urgent surgery to remove a scalp tumour he was born with, the fear of losing everything, the OH surgery, a lengthy recovery and then another unexpected turn of events, breast lumpectomy’s and tissue removal on both breasts for suspicious lumps.

During testing times, I tried to remain the best version of myself, as a wife, mother, family member and friend because although time could stand still… life still goes on.

I tried to protect my husband from my raging fears, from the thoughts of how our lives and the memories we had planned to make, could change forever. I wanted to protect my sons from ever having to bear the thought that they would travel life’s journey to becoming young men without the gentle touch and loving heart of their Mother. I wanted to protect my own Mother and ensure she was going to be ok, because no parent should ever have to confront the fear of losing a child. I wanted my Dad to know I would be ok, because deep down, even though he never showed it, I knew deep in his heart he was hurting and scared of losing his little girl. I wanted my sister to know I could be as brave as her, that I had this handled. I wanted my Grandfather to you know that the strength and perseverance he demonstrated to me as a child, resonated with me. And, I held hope, that through my fight, that my Father would learn to love and accept me for the person I was.

It was these life experiences,and many others, which lead me to writing my blog, 'When Life Gives you Lemons' - in the hope of empowering others to learn to love their life … lemons and all

S xxx