Our Daniel 23/4/1997 - 31/12/2007 - NEW YEARS EVE 2008

It is hard to believe it is 12 months since we lost our precious Daniel. At 6pm this evening it will be exactly one year since his heart stopped beating and his life slipped away. I can not put into words how we feel.

It has been a hard year, we have so many lovely memories of Daniel.

Lovely memories of the times both Aaron and I spent with Daniel, trips away to Lapland, Disney Land and Greece. Which we can treasure forever.

Also of our camping trips and days out, we have many fantastic photographs of our special little man. I am creating a photo album of Daniels life which I will publish on the net with links via his web sites and the blogs. Daniel also loved home and would sign home using Makaton sign language.

We also have bad memories of his traumatic death, hospital stays, operations and the way he was treated throughout his life by certain selfish individuals who only ever thought of themselves, they will never be forgiven ever. They have to live with themselves but people without conscience can do that easily I am told.

The bad memories hopefully will fade into the past over time and the nightmares both Aaron and I still suffer will be removed from memory.

In the Future all the lovely times both Aaron and I have spent with Daniel will remain in the for front of our minds. We both have a good future ahead of us now especially having such a fantastic man / dad in our lives, Billy was sent to us for a reason he is a very special man.

Aaron and I can both hold our heads up high, we never once let Daniel down, we were both with him to the very end and did all we could for him thought out his life.

Above is a photo of both the boys taken September 07 in Zante Greece. It is hard to believe seeing Daniel looking so happy and healthy back them that his life would end 3 months later in such a tragic way.

We miss him terribly he was a joy to be with and to have as part of our family, a wonderful son and brother a very determined little man and loving little boy who lived life to the full and hardly ever missed out on anything.

We will be lighting candles tonight for Daniel at 6pm the time he died.

I would also like to thank everyone who has sent cards, emails, texts, left messages on forums, letters and for the phone calls. I have also been stopped in Oswestry town whilst shopping.

I have also received many messages from other parents of special children like Daniel who have been affected by his death.

Messages from people who new Daniel well to people who never even met him he has touched so many people`s hearts. His memory will still live on always both Aaron and I will see to that.

It shows just how special Daniel really was.

LOVED AND MISSED FOREVER DANIEL XXXXXXX

One of the last photographs to be taken of Daniel looking so happy and healthy taken November 07

Three Little Pigs & Doggy Christmas Fun

The Three Little Pigs Three Little Pigs went out to dinner one night. The waiter came and took their drink order. '

I would like a Sprite,' said the first little piggy.'

I would like a Coke,' said the second little piggy.
I want beer, lots and lots of beer,' said the third little piggy.

The drinks were brought out and the waiter took their orders for dinner.

'I want a nice big steak,' said the first piggy. '

I would like the salad plate,' said the second piggy.
I want beer, lots and lots of beer,' said the third little piggy.

The meals were brought out and a while later the waiter approached the table and asked if the piggies would like any dessert.

'I want a banana split,' said the first piggy. '

I want a cheesecake,' said the second piggy.
'I want beer, lots and lots of beer,' exclaimed the third little piggy.

'Pardon me for asking,' said the waiter to the third little piggy,'
'But why have you only ordered beer all evening?'

You're gonna LOVE me for this..... The third piggy says - '

Well, somebody has to go 'Wee, wee, wee, all the way home!

A Doggy Surprise At Christmas - for a you tube christmas doggy clip click below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUtPKbMwnRo&eurl=http://mannerlymutts.blogspot.com/

Faith & Hope & Madeliene McCann Not Forgotten At Christmas

We were so sad to hear that baby Faith lost her fight for life on Christmas day

The conjoined twin who had survived 11 hours of surgery to separate her from sister died on Christmas Day. Faith Williams died "from the complexities of her condition" 23 days after her sister, Hope, died in an operation to separate the pair of infants. Doctors at Great Ormond Street hospital had given Faith a 50% chance of survival.
The two baby girls were joined from the breastbone to the top of the navel. They shared a liver and part of their intestine, but had separate hearts.

Our thoughts our with their parents, Laura and Aled Williams, from Shrewsbury, in Shropshire.

Losing a new born baby Callum Mothers Day 1996 and also our precious Daniel at Christmas 2007 I no only to well the heartache these parents Will be going through.

Like Laura, I went ahead with having Daniel against hospital advice as they wanted to terminate Daniel`s life when I was 5 mths pregnant. Daniel had 10 years to enjoy life sadly it wasn't to be for these tragic little girls.

http://www.lastingtribute.co.uk/tribute/williams/2962752 Hope Williams Link

http://www.lastingtribute.co.uk/tribute/williams/2980777 Faith Williams Link

Also Christmas must be an extremely hard time for the Parents of Madeleine McCann. Losing a child is bad enough but never knowing where or what has happened to your child / little girl must be so hard to live with. You can visit Find Madeleine web site on link below http://www.findmadeleine.com/xmaspass.

Christmas 2008

Reluctantly we all woke with a smile. Aaron rushed to open his presents under the tree with many hidden surprises hidden also round the house.

His big main present was a Nintendo Wii with lots of games. He was over the moon with this. We all have had great time playing this he has a wide range of games from sport packs, Super Mario, 4x4 racing, football, hot wheels and clone wars. Everyone has had to play ten pins bowls even his Nana and Auntie Pat. I would recommend a Wii to everyone such fun.

Billy Nana and myself all got lots of presents from Santa. All our animals received presents too.

We spent the days over Christmas quietly making our turkey dinner at home. Chilling out in front of the telly with my wonderful little boy Aaron and in the arms of Billy, a man in a million.

Christmas will never be the same again without our beloved Daniel. Always on our minds in our thoughts.

Christmas Eve Candle 2008

Our house was filled with candles Christmas Eve. Outside we lite candles on the garden in memory of our little angels who are not with us this Christmas.

We lite a special candle for Daniel under the veranda next to Callum`s rose bush which I now keep at home.

The candle was also next to two Christmas decorations a snowman and father Christmas.

I bought these specially for Daniel last Christmas, sadly he never got to see them.

We had a quite night as it wasn't right to celebrate without our Daniel.

Track Santa Christmas Eve NASA

Santa can be tracked from Christmas Eve via Nasa Space centre in America.

links via

http://www.cdscc.nasa.gov/Media/pg_trackingsanta.html &

http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_6385.aspx

Visit Santa a the North Pole web site http://www.northpole.com/ fun web site for all.

THANKS

I would like to thank everyone for all the letters, Christmas cards, phone calls, texts and written messages we have received during December.

It nice to no there are so many people out there who remember Daniel with such fondness.

Sorry I have not written any cards I just can`t.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you all.

Sunset In December - West Kirby Wirral

We took Fred our dog to the beach at West Kirby on the wirral. The sun was setting here are some of the photo`s West Kirby beach in sunset.

Daniel`s & Callum`s Grave Christmas 2008

Daniel`s and Callum`s grave see`s Christmas covered in brightly coloured flowers. We have placed a wreath with Snowmen and Santa`s on and a Santa wooden log.

The grave is covered with bright coloured tulips and 2 single red coronations one for both the boys. We also put to golden baubles one for each special little boy. 2 brothers re united in death.

We find it hard not being able to buy Daniel Christmas presents. We have picked things up that he would have liked whilst out shopping then reality sinks in. All we an give him now is flowers and ornaments for his grave.

Aaron brought some flowers home to remember the boys. Christmas Eve we will be be lighting candles a our home in memory of them.

Daniel was a ray of light and enchanted everyone who met him with his cheeky ways and wicked smile. Two little boys whom will be sadly missed for eternity.

Deliverying Presents Pre Christmas Weekend

This weekend saw us setting off early heading to Liverpool to delivery presents to our family for christmas. We had planned to go to Alder Hey today but with us all having a bit of a cold we decided to recedual to a different day as taking a viral infection into ITU is never a good idea. We have rasied near £1000 for the ICU intensive care unit. Look out another time for our visit to Alder Hey.
We headed through the tunnel first to visit Billy`s gran. Aaron adores this old lady and is very excited to having a great grandma aged near 99 yrs old. She is a fabulous old lady and very good for her age. She lives in Anfield not far from Liverpool and Everton Football Grounds. We stayed with her for a while before moving on.
Next stop was Billy`s mum`s. She had made us some lunch for our arrival. We exchanged presents had a good chat for a while. Billy`s sister came to see us. Bit later on we went out to the shops picking up a Chinese for tea on way back to Billy`s mums. We had our tea then decided it was time to leave before leaving Lorraine Billy`s sister took Aaron to see the houses all done up with Christmas lights all around the village it was lovely it brought a tear to my eye as I new Our Daniel would have loved this sight house after house done up with as many lights as possible on them.
After a hug we headed back up the motorway towards home. We all had a lovely day visiting family. It is lovely to see Aaron now in a proper family environment.

Aaron`s Christmas Art Work Dec 08

I just had to put these on the blog for Aaron. He has made some wonderful cards and snowman Christmas hanger.

Two wonderful cards to mum and dad, Billy was over the moon opening the card he gave Aaron a big bear hug. One card was sparkle birds, the other was painted by Aaron himself. The colourful snowman hanger brightly coloured and carefully cut out.

Well done Aaron they are fantastic.

Another card we received was from Daniel`s old class mates at Ysgol Cedewain. The card above is a sparkly Christmas tree made by the MSR class. Thank you Jakie it is a lovely card from the class.

We also held a wonderful Kids Club Christmas party on Thursday. Nearly the whole of the school turned up for the party. I came home with a head ache. Please read and see the pictures from the party on the Kids Club blog. Sarah and I would like to thank all the helpers that came in Tracey, Kate, Gaynor, Wendy and Hew. Thank you so much for helping. Also thanks to Alison, Jacquie and Ann-Marie mums and sister that came in to help clear up. We would also like to say a thank you to Wendy from Llanslin for helping to clean up.
PS Wendy message form Aaron more roast school dinners please ho ho ho !
Happy Christmas to you all. Thank You

Candle Lite Christmas Service Llangedwyn

A beautiful candle lite service was held at St Cedwyns Church Llangedwyn. The children all held candles walking through the church Tea lights set the mood for the evening.

Billy got off work early to come and watch Aaron. We settle in the church pews. In a very packed church.

As the service started the children sang and walked through the church with their candles.

Reading were read out from the bible by a few teachers, carols were sung and prayers were said. The infants were all dressed up in nativity outfits from angels to kings. Mary and Joseph carrying there baby Jesus. They did very well.

The children even chimed out silent night on their instruments. They all did very well.

Aaron voice was heard through out the church as he sang on his own and also read out a reading from the bible. He was the only child that sang and read out readings. What a talented little boy we have. A child that we are so very proud of after all he has been through. Aaron shines now he truly is a star on his own full of confidence. Our little boy will go far in life now the past is behind us. Billy beamed with delight watching his little pal. He makes a fantastic dad for Aaron and is a very proud dad to him.

Shopping Weekend - Party Time - Sleep Overs

This weekend was a busy one for all of us. After school Friday we had a stall at the Llangedwyn School Christmas Fair. We all had a great time and did well on the stall. I was given a warm bottle of mulled wine to take home.
Saturday we were all up early. We set off including Nana for a days shopping in Wrexham. We got lots of treats and presents for each other Aaron and I picked some DVDs`s.
Early in the afternoon we headed for Christmas lunch in the cafe we all had turkey dinner followed by mince pie and a cup of tea.
By mid afternoon Nana was fairly tired being nearly 80 yrs old, so we headed home.
Soon Simon turned up dropping Josh off Aaron`s friend for an over night stay.
Sunday after breakfast Frank another of Aaron's friend turned up. The boys ended up outside having a kick about including Billy.
We all then headed to Shrewsbury Laser Quest for Adams party. This seams to be the in place for kids party's at the moment.
We also saw many bikes going on the annual toy run to Shrewsbury Hospital. This is a place we will not go near after the death of our beloved Daniel. Daniels death is in the hands of a solicitor due to lack of care he received from the hospital leading up to his death.
Back to the boys they met up with more of there friends outside Lazar Quest before entering. It was time for a Sharpe exit by Billy and I. We were getting hounded to join in but after the last time no way they were on there own shooting each other.
Billy and I headed to Matlan for a look around. It was a big store I headed to the Jewellery, Billy to the Men`s dept.
I was turning the stand when I came face to face with an old friend Vicky. She flung her arms around me and burst into tears. We talked about Daniel and other things. She new Daniel had died but had been extremely poorly at the time. She like everyone was heartbroken especially knowing that his death could have been avoidable if he has received proper treatment. We also talked about other things that had happened she wasn't surprised like many people. As leopards don't change their spots slimy was a word she used. that was the feeling she had always had in that sort of company.
Before we parted she met Billy a man with a big smile that brightens up every ones day. We promised to meet up in the new year.
It was long before headed back to Lazar Quest after buying a few bits for Christmas for Aaron. We also bought some pretty little items for the boys grave.
We had a coffee in the cafe whilst we waited for the boys to come out. They all came out very hot from all the running around. Next we headed up the road to Mc Donalds for the next part of Adams party before heading home dropping Josh off on the way. Aaron and Frank played for a while longer before being picked up by his dad. Time for bed little men.
These boys are growing up very fast Aaron is on to his 2ND girlfriend aged only 10 yrs old.

Clwyd Theatre Christmas Panto - Cinderella

Today the whole school visited Clwyd Theatre in Mold North Wales for the Christmas Panto Cinderella.
http://www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk/

Clwyd Theatre holds the panto with a difference. It is a rock and roll panto, this time along with the rock and roll pop and soul were also included. The actors are fantastic all the music and songs are live.

Not only do these people act out the play they are also the musicians and singers.

I would recommend this panto to everyone. By the end of the play the whole theatre is up on there feet dancing clapping and singing along to the songs.

All the children had a fabulous time as did we adults

The Christmas Tree Dec 08

On Sunday we decided to pluck up the courage to put the Christmas tree up. Aaron and I went in the loft and brought it down.
It was a difficult job as the tree was torn down last new years eve after the death of our beloved Daniel. All the Christmas stuff was just thrown in the loft.

Daniel loved opening presents he was able to tear the paper off himself searching for what was underneath. Through out Daniel`s 10 years of life I only remember one Christmas he was well, most of the Christmas's he would be ill sometimes bordering going into hospital. When he had a cold Daniel would be constantly sick if he was fed or drank it was awful sometimes seeing him so ill.
Often we would have another Christmas day when he was better to make up for him being ill.

One of the most memorable Christmas`s both Aaron and I can remember with Daniel was our trip to Lapland. Catching the plane from Liverpool for the 3 hour journey to this very special place in Finland was a fantastic experience for us all. Lapland was a truly magical place. Candle lit forest`s, frozen ponds with husky rides, ski doo`s and reindeer. Winter wonderland log cabins with open fires with roasting marsh mellows given as a treat. Creamy hot chocolate to keep us warm with it being -15`0. The reindeer sledge ride to visit Santa helped by the elves. What lovely memories we have. Both Aaron and I now we did our best for him and we never let him down in any way of form. His happiness and care always came first Daniel was a very special boy. Here are some photo`s from Lapland.

Last Christmas we spent the day with Daniel hooked up to life support in critical condition it was heart breaking. In 1989 my dad died Christmas day I never thought i would spend a worst Christmas than that day back then. Daniels life sadly came to an end on new years eve surrounded by the people that loved him most his mum, brother Aaron and his Nana who adored him. Francis and Mary from Hope House Hospice were also with us and I am so glad they were.
Being through what we have last year I am determined for Aaron to have a special time this year, with Billy`s help i have bought him a very special present which I no he will love. Billy has said the best Christmas present he has ever had, he has already got Me and Aaron. Billy is romantic and charming.
Anyway back to the tree. we got lots of stuff out of loft and brought it down. Billy was busy fixing one of the printers attached to one of my desk top pc`s.
Aaron and I started to put the tree up we were doing well until we came across the things Daniel had made in previous years glittering stars and fluffy snowmen. Tears welled and Aaron burst into tears we hugged for a while. Billy came in and finished the tree off.

Bit later on both Aaron and I decorated a picture of Aaron and his precious brother Daniel, we also placed a shining star in the cup Daniel has won in the July before his death. We were so proud of him that day as he was wheeled shyly onto the staged in front of the whole school to receive his cup for child of achievement. Daniel was a very special boy.

Nearer to Christmas we are going to place some lovely flowers on the grave for both Daniel, Callum ( the oldest of my son`s ) and my dad the boys grandad. I have a friend making up a special wreath for them all. We also have a special rose tree and place at home to remember Daniel. He is still around us you can smell, hear and feel his presence at times. Lots of strange things happen in the house now so he lets us no he is about. He will be enjoying Christmas with us not being ill or sick anymore.

After Christmas were are hoping to have the grave stone returned as it needs to be wiped clean and re written with pictures of both the boys. I now have the money to do this after selling Daniel`s special needs bike. To have the stone re done it will cost NR £2000. I am hoping the stone will be back on for Callum`s birthday 16Th march.

Christmas day itself Aaron and I are going to let off balloons in memory of both the boys plus little Matthew Aaron and Daniel friend who sadly died Nov 06 age 9 yrs.

We are also going to visit Alder Hey the week before Christmas as we have raised NR £1000 for the ITU intensive care children's unit over the year since Daniel`s death

It will be a happy but also sad time over Christmas but we will get through it as best we can. I am sure we will have a happy time especially with Billy about.

I WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL MY FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CUSTOMERS A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

Our Christmas Night`s Out Dec 08

Aaron had his annual night out with other siblings from Hope House Hospice. He was picked up from school and headed off to the Superbowl for ten pin bowling and tea out. he had a wonderful time. He was then dropped off home to spend the night with his Nana

THANKS YOU HOPE HOUSE HOSPICE http://www.hopehouse.org.uk/

Mean while Billy and I headed to Liverpool for his works Christmas party. We booked into the hotel then Billy took me out for a lovely meal. He was determined to make the evening very special. We had a 3 course meal in a restaurant surrounded by glowing candles and Christmas tinsel.

After we went back to the hotel and got ready for our night out.

We got the train into Liverpool centre and headed to a little pub for drink before heading to the party at the Cavern Club. http://www.cavernclub.org/

The Cavern is a very famous club. Liverpool is home of the Beatles http://www.beatles.com/core/home/

We had a great time at the club 2 bands played the first band played a range of songs including sounds of the sixties. We rock and rolled all night long.

Later on we visited The Swan http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/67/6775/Swan_Inn/Liverpool

This is one of Liverpool`s Biker Pubs. It had changed so much it was done up and set over 3 floors each with different rock themes. I remember this pub from years ago what a difference.

Next we headed back to the hotel stopping off at all night burger king for a coffee on the way.

Next day we had a fab day out Christmas shopping before heading home to a big hug from Aaron.

Thank You Billy for yet again another wonderful night and day out. Your the best x

Neglected - Fred`s Story

Fred is our cocker spaniel. He is approx 8 yrs old. He is a picture of health now but that wasn't always the case.

This little dog I found in a sorry state. He was full of lice, he had ripped his little body apart through scratching. What was left of his fur was mattered and covered in urine.

After finding him the next morning I took him to the vets. He was appalled at his condition. He found Fred to be very anemic and under weight. Close to death. With the help of the veterinary nurses we managed to shave what was left of his mattered fur off.


He must have been in a lot of pain but never growled or tryed to bite us once.
Along with his fur came his flesh.
He was left bleeding and very bald. His little body was covered with sore. His ears were littered with bleeding holes on top and underneath. His lice and mange were treated. Fred was also micro chipped and the vet and myself took photo`s for future reference.

My mum made him a coat to keep him warm with him having no fur as it was October 2004.

Over the next few months we nursed him back to health. He was to sick at the time to have his doggy jabs but once he was well enough he was able to have them along with he rabies jabs. Fred now has a doggy passport this enable us to take him away on holiday with us when we can. As leaving him in kennels would cause him lots of distress due to his ill treatment.

The day I found him was over 4 yrs ago now. Fred life changed for good, he had the love of a family.



Fred is a fantastic dog and melts peoples hearts with his big brown eyes. People don't recognise him now from his early days as he looks so different. It amazes me how people in this world can be so cruel and let a defenceless animal get is such a state.

Fred s still weary of strange men he even cowers and growls at times. This is because he was kicked for mis- behaving. Fred also hates the sound of gunfire and loud bangs this must bring back horrific memories of being stuck in the gun kennels. Fred was meant to be a gun dog but never came up to the mark. He was dumped in a kennel and left to get into such a sorry state.

At home Fred is part of the family he hates being left behind. He gets very upset if left and barks shouts and tells us off when we return. He is always first out in the car.
Below a photo of Fred now happy and healthy.