This Little Light of Mine. #HealthWorkers

Twenty One years ago our little boy was born. At 28 weeks he weighed one pound and ten ounces.
His fingers were the same length as your fingernails and he took another six weeks to breathe by himself.
His chances at birth were described as slim; we were told it was 'hour by hour'.
Thanks to the care he received he thrived.
He had several difficulties along the way but with professional help he grew strong and overcame them.
At seven he stood and sang to a crowd of people; the light shining out of his little face. Full of hope, dreams and loving his life.
Today he is over six feet tall;  the Captain of his American Football Team at Uni and short listed to carry the Olympic torch next year.
For the care that he received I will be forever grateful.
The life I have shared with him so far is more precious than I can describe.

Now Save The Children is asking for your help to let more precious lights shine.
Their Campaign  urges David Cameron and the UK Government to commit more funds and resources to ensure that no child dies because they can't see a health worker. To support Women and Children in the Countries that need it most.

"In 2009, more than
8 million children died before reaching their fifth
birthday, approximately half of them in sub-Saharan
Africa.4 India and Nigeria account for a third of all
child deaths worldwide."

Read the facts
Watch the video featuring the health worker hero; Doctor Joan of Sierra Leone on the blog of Christine Mosler.
Blog 100 words about your experiences with a great health care professional and share the link with Mummy From the Heart
Join Save the Children on Twitter and use the #healthworkers hashtag
At the very least take action and sign the petition.

I'm tagging a couple of Mummy bloggers to join in;
Victoria @Love Being a Mummy to Two
Annie @Mammasaurus

Love,

Mallorca, Majorca or whatever you like to call it...

(Our pics, otherwise known as other peoples fascinating boring holiday snaps. Aren't you glad I spared you all 500?)

Well here we are again, back in dear old Blighty after a very hot two weeks in Mallorca.

We try to go every year; for us it's not just a family holiday as much as a family visiting holiday. My father (and his parents) are from the little magic island and although that probably makes me biased I truly love the place!

If you've never been, you've probably heard (and read) horror stories about 'that dreadful Magalluf' place and hoardes of drunken, half naked teenagers doing unmentionables on the beach? I can't deny they happen of course, the poor Mallorcan police and locals would tell you otherwise. But it's worth taking a closer look at this tiny place to find the magic it has to offer.

Hundreds of small beaches or Calas, crystal clear water, nature reserves, very friendly people (as long as you don't shout loudly at them in English. Hmm, yes people still do that.) Archeological Talyot villages and boat trips to Islands with no inhabitants other than small lizards.

I love Valldemossa; the place where Chopin and his girlfriend George Sands came to stay. It is car free and one of the loveliest places to visit as long as you have a strong stomach for the windy roads.

Being a huge fan of Chopin it's an absolute thrill to see his piano in the Monastery there. He was a favourite composer of my English Grandfather  too so it makes me a bit teary now 'sniff'.  Anyway, moving on!

We spend fourteen blissful days hanging by the pool, eating more wonderful food than is good for us, boat trips plus of course, happy and teary family reunions. The twins also had their fifth Birthday over there and we spent the day at my Fathers house in Buger, swimming, eating, drinking fresh pomegranate juice and knicking his almonds.

I timed our booking to coincide with the Santa Ponsa festival. It's a yearly event, full of activities for everyone. The highlight for us was the 'Nit de Foc' or Night of Fire. Yes, it's as mad as it sounds and the public are advised to wear non flammable clothing... Locals dress up as fire devils and dance with fireworks.

That's it. No barriers; nada.

They also shake what sounds like cowbells and chase small children, great fun!

Of course for me, my holiday isn't complete without several of these.

 

and some long overdue family hugs.

My boys & twins with their Great Uncle & Aunt

The boys & my Father

 

The girls & their Great Aunt

The island is very child friendly. You can buy all the usual baby products, some of them are actually better than ours. They have fantastic medical care (great chemists too), especially if you have your E11 card with you and have one of the best new hospitals in Europe; in case those sorts of things worry you. Let's face it, as parents they usually do! I think my next post will be about travelling with small babies on aeroplanes? Just in case anyone would like any pointers.

Hope you all had fab holidays too!

Am off to try and finish a disgusting amount of laundry now...

Love,

SILENT SUNDAY