Life-changing moments

[Thracian]

Seeing my wife into the lift for a 13.5 hour brain operation and having her die on the operating table before being revived was a major wake-up call and made me appreciate every minute of my life thereafter.

I love going to work, rarely get more than momentarily angry about anything any longer, thoroughly enjoy both the company and the football I watch now both at first team and Academy matches, am a decent way through the book I've promised to write for years and view every challenge and chore as a blessing to be tackled with enthusiasm.

Long time contributors to this forum will know that my wife had a singularly peculiar and dramatic experience in the days preceding her operation in which she rejected the outstretched hand of Christ (because she needed to find a loo, of all things) and neither of us have assumed anything from that, other than to aknowledge and accept that it happened.

But times I utter a quiet word of silent thanks at the end of another day to cherish.

If nothing else it has made me much more aware of those in difficulty because that period was one which utter devastated us both financially, spiritually and emotionally - all of them basically new experiences and not ones I would ever wish on others.

[Tommy G]

Seeing my wife into the lift for a 13.5 hour brain operation and having her die on the operating table before being revived was a major wake-up call and made me appreciate every minute of my life thereafter.

I love going to work, rarely get momentarily angry about anything any longer, thoroughly enjoy both the company and the football I watch now both at first team and Academy matches, am a decent way through the book I've promised to write for years and view every challenge and chore as a blessing to be tackled with enthusiasm.

Long time contributors to this forum will know that my wife had a singularly peculiar and dramatic experience in the days preceding her operation in which she rejected the outstretched hand of Christ (because she needed to find a loo, of all things) and neither of us have assumed anything from that, other than to aknowledge and accept that it happened.

But times I utter a quiet word of silent thanks at the end of another day to cherish.

If nothing else it has made me much more aware of those in difficulty because that period was one which utter devastated us both financially, spiritually and emotionally - all of them basically new experiences and not ones I would ever wish on others.

From the heart

[Sparky]

Lost the old man in a accident at the age of 10 which led to me having to grow up a bit faster than i would have liked but would like to think he would be proud of the way i turned out.

I do think the person you end up becoming is a bit of a sub total of the things you have gone through in life.

[lou]

The day I became a Mum, the day my Sons Dad walked out on me and his 8 day old Son (8 days later!!) , the day my Ex Husband was diagnosed with Schizophrenia (no one gives you any sympathy, they just cross the street to avoid you) The day I woke up and decided not to be a victim anymore and became a single Mum of 3.

Finally the day I set eyes on my lovely Husband who has turned my life around and Ive never looked back

[Sparky]

The day I became a Mum, the day my Sons Dad walked out on me and his 8 day old Son (8 days later!!) , the day my Ex Husband was diagnosed with Schizophrenia (no one gives you any sympathy, they just cross the street to avoid you) The day I woke up and decided not to be a victim anymore and became a single Mum of 3.

Finally the day I set eyes on my lovely Husband who has turned my life around and Ive never looked back

I love a happy ending

[Zingari]

Losing my virginity, i've not been the same since!!!

Having children, each one has made a massive impact on my life!!

Witnessing the Sikh massacres and genocide by the indian government, it changed everything I believed about my heritage and for the better, it gave me the courage to study who I am, what I am, and where I come from!!!!

who would have thought that a little walk through a field of sheep could turn out to be such a life changing experience

[Matt]

My dad and grandad dying in the same year when I was 8, I had to grow up and mature alot quicker than others my age but at the same time not being brought up by a male figure in my life has held me back in some aspect if you like - Put it this way I think i'd be alot different than I am now.

To add to that willy puller cunts who fucked his business up when my dad died and my mum took the business over and she put managers in place, who had be good hard worked for my dad but just because a female had took over the business they thought they could fuck the it up, spend money on stupid things and almost bankrupt it and us. I've never seen them since it all happened being young at the time I never knew about it and didn't know what was happening, lets just say i'd like to meet them now.

[Lillehamring]

sad things...

thrac, i never knew that she had passed, i remember meeting her and you in the swan and rushes one grey afternoon, and having a good old chat, i think she'd just been in the infirmary...

sorry to hear it, mate.

[Nationwider]

An interesting topic as it's one I've never really given much thought to. With hindsight, the following events stick in my mind...

I had a major operation in 2002. It wasn't the first and it probably won't be the last. It had a major impact on my health, which was great, but it also seemed to be the catalyst for a number of other events and decisions that have shaped what my life is today.

Completely separate to that, a few months before my op, I was the 'victim' of a bit of a scam. I only lost a few quid and frankly, it was so embarrassing in hindsight that I don't really care to go into the details - needless to say at the time, it all seemed utterly plausible. It was a funny feeling that has stuck with me ever since - I've never felt so foolish. It taught me to be far more questioning of things, and that everyone has a weakness.

When I was a lot younger, I was involved a freak accident during an 'event' that I choose not to mention here. There was no blame apportioned; it was a genuine accident and we both accepted it as such. The other party sustained an injury - I didn't. I saw that person again at least once more, and gave their injury no further thought as they seemed fine. Some time later, I learnt that the person had died. Their cause of death (as I remember being told) seems now, to me, inextricably linked to the accident earlier that year. At the time, I thought nothing of it - strangely, at the time I never linked the two, and no-one made the link (to my knowledge). As time has passed, it's niggled at me. I don't lie awake at night thinking about it, and I've only ever heard hearsay concerning the death (although I know for a fact the person did die). Sod all I can do about it now, or could have done at the time... but it makes me wonder exactly what did cause their passing, and I always will.

The final event is the most obvious - the birth of my first child. I'm a firm believer in keeping my head buried in the sand about most things; money, deadlines, feelings, the impending threat of burial by molten lava flows etc etc. Becoming a dad was no different, and I was mentally unprepared. It is/was insanely hard, and I constantly felt guilty about not being around more due to work, but it is an amazing time.

[Alexikokopops]

Seeing my wife into the lift for a 13.5 hour brain operation and having her die on the operating table before being revived was a major wake-up call and made me appreciate every minute of my life thereafter.

thrac, i never knew that she had passed, i remember meeting her and you in the swan and rushes one grey afternoon, and having a good old chat, i think she'd just been in the infirmary...

sorry to hear it, mate.

Well now I'm just confused.

[Daggers]

If nothing else it has made me much more aware of those in difficulty

...unless they are immigrants, traffic wardens, homosexuals, etc, etc...

[Thracian]

thrac, i never knew that she had passed, i remember meeting her and you in the swan and rushes one grey afternoon, and having a good old chat, i think she'd just been in the infirmary...

sorry to hear it, mate.

Thanks but it didn't end quite as badly as you read it ... they got her back after about two minutes!

[Thracian]

...unless they are a) immigrants, b) traffic wardens, c) homosexuals, etc, etc...

You trying to wind me up?

a) Difficulties? I thought the recent Ladywood documentary highlighted the situation as it stands. Apparently ethnic West Indian TV interviewer, apparently ethnic Asian professional commentator and destitute white couples describing their desperate lives hove to in Britain's most deprived area. If you missed it I'm sure there'll be a repeat. If only to rub it in.

b) With the bonus system they're on why should any traffic wardens be in difficulties? I can imagine one or two might even find their way onto Labour's honours lists before long.

c) Difficulties? The homosexual who tried to abduct me when I was 14 didn't seem badly off judging by the car he drove nor did the guy who tried to drag me down a back alley near Silver Street when I was 13 judging by the money he tried to ply me with in Thomas's amusement arcade beforehand. And that's just for starters. Perhaps I should have mentioned both in relation to life-changing moments but, thankfully, the problem faded rapidly with my loss of youthful athleticism.

[ACF]

What you thinking of doing ?

At the moment- Advertising and Marketing.

Still not quite sure though. But I'm only 14. still got time yet.

[Lillehamring]

Well now I'm just confused.

my bad, i beleive -

i read it as she had died before being revived from the anaesthetic...

thank goodnes, i'm thick.

[Guest Bilo]

Christ, I'm ashamed to say I've had it pretty easy compared to some on here.

If I had to pick one, probably the day I landed at Manchester airport after a six month stint on cruise ships wondering what I was going to do next. I'd been promising myself that I would use my A Levels and go to university, and the perfect opportunity had just arrived. Now in my second year here and have every intention of living and working in Leicester when I graduate. How much of a life-changing moment my decision to come to uni will turn out to be remains to be seen obviously, but bugger all else stands out.

[Babylon]

I'd say having a fall out with my mates when I was about 18 for no reason, pretty much wrecked my life for a good 3 years.

Also finding out my Dad had cancer and all the ensuing operations etc.

[lou]

Christ, I'm ashamed to say I've had it pretty easy compared to some on here.

If I had to pick one, probably the day I landed at Manchester airport after a six month stint on cruise ships wondering what I was going to do next. I'd been promising myself that I would use my A Levels and go to university, and the perfect opportunity had just arrived. Now in my second year here and have every intention of living and working in Leicester when I graduate. How much of a life-changing moment my decision to come to uni will turn out to be remains to be seen obviously, but bugger all else stands out.

My hubby did that and ended up meeting and marrying me

[Nick]

You trying to wind me up?

a) Difficulties? I thought the recent Ladywood documentary highlighted the situation as it stands. Apparently ethnic West Indian TV interviewer, apparently ethnic Asian professional commentator and destitute white couples describing their desperate lives hove to in Britain's most deprived area. If you missed it I'm sure there'll be a repeat. If only to rub it in.

b) With the bonus system they're on why should any traffic wardens be in difficulties? I can imagine one or two might even find their way onto Labour's honours lists before long.

c) Difficulties? The homosexual who tried to abduct me when I was 14 didn't seem badly off judging by the car he drove nor did the guy who tried to drag me down a back alley near Silver Street when I was 13 judging by the money he tried to ply me with in Thomas's amusement arcade beforehand. And that's just for starters. Perhaps I should have mentioned both in relation to life-changing moments but, thankfully, the problem faded rapidly with my loss of youthful athleticism.

[James.]

Meeting my girlfriend - for the last 8 years my life would have been completely different had I not met my girlfriend who I have shared so many special and difficult moments with.

My stepdad recovering from cancer - kidney cancer found during a pretty routine operation. The cancer was removed and within days he was back on his feet with the all clear. Inspiring recovery showing the power of mental and physical strength.

My Dad having a major operation - sometimes it takes something big to fully realise how important family are. My Dad is one of my best friends and I'm so grateful he came through that operation.

Passing exams - from GCSE's to A-Levels and from University degrees to professional qualifications. Results aren't everything but you feel your life moving in certain directions when you open those envelopes.

[Daggers]

Thanks, I completely missed that ridiculous recent epistle from Mount Bigotry.

[StanSP]

I'd say having a fall out with my mates when I was about 18 for no reason, pretty much wrecked my life for a good 3 years.

Also finding out my Dad had cancer and all the ensuing operations etc.

Same thing for me. Not so much changed my life in the drastic sense as other people have had theirs, but made me think more closely at who to trust more than others. Hurt even more at the time as he was my best mate since year 7 (so for about 5/6 years) and it was all over one manipulative bitch of a girl.