03/09/2025
To My Incredible Husband who had a special BIG birthday recently🎉🎂!
As I navigated the rollercoaster of premature menopause 22 years ago aged 29, I was single. The physical changes, the emotional storms, the moments I didn’t even recognise myself. The conversations over the next 7 years with boyfriends which needed to happen- I wont be able to naturally have children- the cringing and sheer deflation seeing their face change and becoming single again as it just ‘wasn’t for them’. Then, I met Richard. 19 years older than me what we laughed about after 3 weeks of dating still makes us smile now. I wanted to get the conversation out of the way and so it seemed did he as he had been worrying that I would want to start a family and in all honesty he didn’t really want to have anymore children at his age. A match made in heaven for us anyway. Through my physical and mental waves he has been a constant champion holding me when I have felt broken, listened when the words wouldn’t come easily- you know the thingy behind the whatsit🤣🤣! The fact he started to understand that makes me laugh out loud. You’ve stood by me through the sleepless nights, the tears, the frustration of not feeling like "me." You never once made me feel like a burden which is the word I often used. Instead, you made me feel seen, heard, and deeply loved. You come with me every month to co host the Hayling Island Menopause Café events to learn more and you have helped others for sure.
Menopause isn’t just a women’s journey, it’s a couple’s one, a family’s one. Richard has walked it with me with more grace, patience, and strength than I could’ve ever hoped for.
Our menopause hasn’t been easy. It came far too early, and with it, many unexpected challenges. A huge shock. But your unwavering support has been my anchor. You’ve reminded me that I am still powerful, still beautiful, still me.
Thank you for loving me through every version of myself. Happy birthday Mr T love Mrs T❤️