My year 2018 – A roller coaster

2018 I wanted to celebrate the 20th birthday of NettyRoyal on 26 October 2018, I wanted to travel, visit castles and exhibitions, meet with friends, see a few royal weddings. I had lots of plans. Almost nothing came of it unfortunately. Although, I did publish my first book!

2018 was certainly not what I had hoped for and at my age (now 45) and always having been relatively healthy I also hadn’t thought it would happen to me. In January 2018 however I was diagnosed with an illness that had its influence on my whole life this year. For the first time ever I spent a few days in hospital, had surgery, had lots of treatment and still haven’t finished. Life is fleeting, as I have noticed, and you never know what the new year brings. I also never knew that I had so much strenght in me.

2018 has been a roller coaster full of emotions and scare. But after telling friends and most relatives in February I also learnt how supportive people can be. Even when in the end you have to do it all by yourself, it is amazing how many people think of you. I received lots of postcards, some letters, packages, visitors when I was up to it. As cycling was not going well, friends of mine picked me up at home when we were occasionally going somewhere, even when that meant a longer drive for them. I can never thank everybody enough for all the support I received. I met a cute red stray cat that comforted me and is now living with me, although he still doesn’t like being in the house a lot. I named him Prince Harry.

2018 I kept on working, despite of loosing my concentration regularly. As a freelance journalist without secure income you need to if you can. But work also kept me going, as did my royal hobby. I can safely say that without the royals I had been lost and might have been sitting on the sofa or lying in my bed most of the time. Yes, I was tired, but I still managed to do something behind my computer and I did enjoy following royal events at home on my computer and on my television. I even went to see a few exhibitions and enjoy King’s Day in my own city. Although I am sure regular visitors have noticed that I posted less messages on this blog than the previous year, and haven’t done lots of updates of my website. I simply didn’t have the energy for it.

I am happy to say it seems to look good. I very slowly get my condition back, have started dancing again, although I am certainly not there yet. My eyes are still playing tricks once in a while, my muscles are still stiff. And I don’t know for sure what the future will be as there unfortunately isn’t a 100 % guarantee that the illness won’t come back. Let’s hope 2019 will have more positive surprises for me and lots of royal treats.