Friends are the family we choose.

[BethanyBateman]

I’ve been to some fantastic Breathe Easy meetings over the last few weeks, and partaken of some truly amazing buffets. I’m sure I’ve put on a good few pounds, but I’ll try to fit an extra gym session or two in before I weigh myself to find out!

What I really love is how the Christmas spirit has met the ethos of Breathe Easy and inspired some members to reach out to each other more than ever this Christmas. I know of several people who have opened their doors on Boxing Day, and even Christmas day itself, rather than let their fellow Breathe Easy members be alone at this time of year.

A very good friend of mine always says that friends are the family we choose and I think she may be right. For many Breathe Easy members, the other people in their group become real friends and I think that’s wonderful. I know that Christmas is a very hard time for so many people, but I hope that everyone here has someone to reach out to this Christmas, so that there is a measure of joy for all of us this year.

Very merry Christmas everyone and I wish you all a very happy 2013.

[Hidden]

Not all of us have access to Breathe Easy. You are lucky, Bethany.

Have a very Happy Christmas and New Year from Annie80

[BethanyBateman in reply to Hidden]

I'm sorry you don't have a group near enough for you to take part Annie. I hope that between this site and PenPals, you're still getting the support you need from the BLF.

Very Merry Christmas to you too.

[Hidden in reply to BethanyBateman]

Loads from the forum - great friendly people. I will have a look at penpals after Christmas. Annie80

[Hidden]

I am wondering why there is a "London" tag? Is this message only for our southern members?

[BethanyBateman in reply to Hidden]

Not at all, it was just force of habit so that the groups I work with can pick it up easier. I'm sure that all of the development officers have similar stories though - I certainly hope so!

[BethanyBateman in reply to BethanyBateman]

I've just worked out how to remove it!

[KingoftheCocktails]

I am fortunate to have many Breathe Easy friends in many groups and they help keep me going and maintain a sense of humour.This extends all over the country''no tags''.God bless all of you,particularly at this time of year and please extend a Breathe Easy hand of friendship to everyone.

Richard Cornish

[BethanyBateman in reply to KingoftheCocktails]

Hi Richard. It's great that you get to attend so many groups and are getting so much support from them. We want the network to extend to as many people as we can possibly reach, so hopefully more people on this site will be benefitting from Breathe Easy support this time next year.