April started with the beginning of the Easter holidays, leading into the bank holiday weekend. I spent the long bank holiday weekend dog sitting for my mum and stepdad, which turned out to be a lovely chance to slow things down a little. The kids were with their dad, so I split my time between popping back home to care for my cat and bunny and looking after my parents’ dog. It was a gentle few days filled with long walks, reading and getting organised, which really helped me feel more on top of things mentally.
The girls rejoined me on the Sunday, and we made the most of it with more long dog walks out in nature before heading home on the Monday. The Easter holidays themselves were busy for the girls with plenty of time spent catching up with friends, while I juggled work during the first week. Thankfully it was a shorter week leading into the bank holiday, and I had the second week off to look forward to.
That second week was packed with day trips to Ascott, Stowe, The Horse Trust and Burford, all of which I’ve blogged about of course. We were incredibly lucky with the weather too, which stayed beautiful throughout.
Before heading back to school and work, we managed a cheeky Sunday morning cinema trip for just £1 per person. I couldn’t believe it. We had missed seeing Zootropolis 2 when it was first out and since we’re quite big on cinema trips, snapping up that deal felt like the perfect way to end the Easter holidays.
Returning to work can sometimes feel a little flat, but it really wasn’t too bad. I feel very lucky with my job. It’s genuinely a great place to work and I’m always grateful for the opportunity.
However, there was a much harder part to the month. My cat had been declining quite rapidly since we lost her sister back in January of this year, so I was quietly preparing myself to say goodbye. I carried on working but kept a very close eye on her, making sure she was comfortable and that I was spending as much time with her as possible.
I had prepared myself and the vets, as much as I could and sadly I had to say goodnight on Friday 17th April. It was another heartbreaking decision, but it was the right one for her wellbeing and her age. Preparing for end of life with older pets is incredibly difficult. You hold on to every possible moment, wanting to keep them going, while also knowing when it is truly time to let them go.
Since losing both of my cats now, I’ve realised just how much of myself I gave to them. They shaped my entire adult life over 19 years and I feel so grateful for that time. Being the one to love and care for them through it all is something I will always hold close and feel utterly blessed by.
So while mid-April was incredibly painful, the rest of the month has been about moving forward slowly, with care and intention. It’s been a huge adjustment going from constantly thinking about them in everything we do, from feeding routines to checking doors and planning time away from home, to now learning how to exist without that constant awareness. The quiet has been noticeable.
The girls had their riding lessons, which brought a welcome sense of normality and joy. They are both doing so well and progressing beautifully, and it was exactly the lift we all needed.
In the midst of the sadness, I also managed to pick up a cough and high temperature, most likely from being run down after everything – but the rest was needed and welcomed. Even so, I still managed a few gentle walks and treated us to some lovely goodies from M&S.
I had two coaching sessions this month, both of which went really well. I’m genuinely grateful for them as they help keep me grounded, accountable and positive. I was also recommended a book, which I’ve already downloaded to my Kindle and have been dipping into whenever I can.
The last weekend of the month was filled with little treats, from Starbucks to a relaxed trip to a farm shop, followed by another cinema visit to watch Michael – oh my goodness, the emotions! It felt like a nice way to round things off.
The final week of work heading into May was a successful one, including a work trip. It was also payday and with Monzo that always comes a day before. I always enjoy getting everything organised for the month ahead from money pots to calendar events – being someone who likes to stay organised, I find real comfort in planning ahead and making sure we have everything we need.
