December 16th 2024.
Erin and I were filled with excitement as we cheered, "Merry Christmas!" It was still four weeks away, but we were determined to make this one special. Erin, a 31-year-old mother of four, had been given a devastating diagnosis of stage four ampullary cancer and had been told she only had weeks to live. But that didn't stop us from celebrating another Christmas together.
We clinked our glasses of prosecco, pulled crackers, and watched the kids open their presents. It was a Christmas dinner feast to remember. As we held each other's gaze with joyful eyes, Erin's expression turned serious. "Promise me you'll continue sharing my story on social media after I'm gone," she said. "I know it's helping others." I agreed, and we both shed a tear.
It was hard to believe that this touching moment was a far cry from how we first met in 2016. Erin was my now-husband Chris's ex-girlfriend and the mother of his eldest son, Alex. Their split in 2010 hadn't been amicable, so when we first met, we didn't exactly hit it off. We tolerated each other, only ever in contact when necessary, like when Alex was visiting his dad.
But everything changed in January 2020 when Alex, now 14, was staying with us for the weekend and Chris's phone rang. It was Erin, crying and saying, "There's been a fire. Zac is dead." Her 3-year-old son, also Alex's youngest brother, had tragically passed away in a fire while staying with his dad in a caravan. We were in shock and our hearts went out to Erin and her other children.
Then, in March 2020, lockdown hit and I couldn't bear the thought of Erin being stuck in a house filled with painful memories of Zac. "We should ask Erin to stay with us," I told Chris. "She needs support around her. We have the space to help." Chris agreed, and Erin, her partner Dan, her son Harley, and Alex left their home to stay in the annex of our five-bedroom house on Anglesey.
It was strange at first, but we wanted to be there for Erin, and it was lovely to have the children around every day. Over the next few months, Erin and I developed a sisterly relationship. We would sit outside together while the children played, chatting about life and finding out that we actually had a lot in common. Our friendship blossomed as I helped her navigate her grief.
As the weeks went by, our blended family became even closer. But in early 2023, Erin confided in me that she wasn't feeling well. She had stomach pains and was losing weight. On Valentine's Day, she blurted out that she had been diagnosed with ampullary cancer. It was a rare type of cancer that was incurable and had spread to her liver. She had been given only six months to live.
I couldn't hold back my tears as I reassured her that I would always be there for her. And I kept my promise as Erin's health declined. On Christmas Day 2023, we all gathered together once again to celebrate. It was a beautiful day filled with beautiful people, and my heart was full as I went to bed that night. Erin's strength, courage, and love had touched us all, and her memory would live on through her story that we promised to continue sharing.
Erin and I were full of excitement as we exchanged our Christmas wishes and clinked our glasses of prosecco. It was still four weeks before December 25, 2023, but we were determined to make every moment count. Despite her battle with stage four ampullary cancer, Erin was determined to celebrate another Christmas with her loved ones. And I was more than happy to help her tick off items from her bucket list.
As we watched the kids joyfully open their presents and indulged in a delicious Christmas dinner, Erin and I shared a special moment. With tears in her eyes, she made a heartfelt request for me to continue sharing her story on social media even after she was gone. I promised her that I would, and we both shed a tear knowing that her story was making a difference in the lives of others.
This touching moment was a far cry from when we first met back in 2016. Erin was my now-husband Chris's ex-girlfriend and the mother of his eldest son, Alex. Their split in 2010 had not been amicable, and when we first met, we didn't hit it off. We tolerated each other, only ever in contact when it was necessary, like when Alex was visiting his dad.
However, everything changed in January 2020 when tragedy struck. Erin's youngest son, Zac, only three years old, was killed in a fire while staying with his dad. It was a devastating loss for Erin and her family, and my heart went out to them. And then, just a few months later, lockdown hit, and Erin was stuck in a house filled with memories of Zac. I couldn't bear the thought of her being alone, so I suggested that she come and stay with us.
Despite the initial awkwardness, it was a decision that brought us all closer. We wanted to be there for Erin, and it was lovely to have the children around every day. Over the months, Erin and I developed a sisterly bond, and she began to open up to me about her grief. We soon realized that we had a lot in common.
As we spent time together, chatting in the sunshine and going for long walks, our friendship blossomed. And even after Erin and her family returned to their home once lockdown ended, we remained close. In early 2023, Erin confided in me that she was feeling unwell with stomach pains and losing weight. After going for tests, she received the devastating news on Valentine's Day that she had ampullary cancer.
Despite her brave front, I could see the fear in her eyes when she told me that the cancer had spread to her liver and was incurable. She had been given only six months to live. I couldn't hold back my tears and promised her that I would be there for her every step of the way.
As Christmas day 2023 rolled around, Erin and I couldn't help but reflect on the journey we had been on together. It was a bittersweet day, filled with beautiful people and cherished memories. We went to bed with full hearts, grateful for the love and support we had for each other. And as we posted pictures on social media, we knew that Erin's story would continue to inspire and help others in their own battles with cancer.
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