It has been just over a year since we moved back to Scotland – we made the decision, after a beautiful year in Chester, that we belonged up North. It was a testing move, for many reasons, but it was especially difficult knowing we’d be returning to the place where Ben’s accident happened.

Hard doesn’t cut it, but we knew it was the right decision to make for our family.

Returning to places where trauma occurred is intense – it can be completely overwhelming and bring up parts of your grief that have been long buried. Months down the line we now enjoy feeling closer to Ben by accessing and doing things we wouldn’t be able to do had we not made the decision to come home.

The beautiful views for one; uninterrupted skyline giving us a clear scope of the sea, the sky when it’s rising and when it’s setting too. We’re very lucky to have this out of our living room window and being amongst something so magical whilst creating new memories with our family has enabled the enjoyment of just being here to creep in.

We’ve reconnected with old friends and made new ones too, have accessed support for the littlest one, the children are all thriving and doing well.

One thing that has remained strong throughout the last seven years is our family. Being together, loving one another, and knowing we have that support behind us is what has allowed us to continue … not just surviving, but truly living. Moving back up to Scotland in November 2018 took its toll in many, many ways. I would never say it was an easy thing to do, nor was it without its challenges. But, together, we got through it and will continue getting through anything else thrown our way too (though we’re hoping the remainder of our days shall remain uneventful thank you!)

Our online community also gives us strength when we need it – helps us find the courage we need that already exists in us all but we may sometimes have to dig a little deeper to bring it to the surface. We will always be grateful for that.