Erik W

It's starting to get back to a bit of normality after the stress and financial burden of Christmas. Overall, my daughter and I had a good but quiet time, though this has been the most difficult Christmas we have lived through. My daughter is old enough to understand some of the difficulties we are having and has been very understanding and supportive. Fortunately it did not get too cold, so I did not feel to guilty about not putting the heating on, she has used some of the time to catch up with her school work/ revision which has helped to keep her busy. I am happy that I no longer have to walk around the local shops looking at shelves of treats and sweets that are beyond my budget. There is, however, the thought of what the next year is going to bring with the prospect of rising prices on essential items like food, household bills and clothing for my daughter. I will carry on as best as possible avoiding the use of gas/ electricity while my daughter is at school, avoiding breakfast and lunch which is not always possible as I am diabetic. It also seems like the clothes that I do own will have to survive another year. The most important thing to me is trying as hard as possible to support my daughter through her young life so she can make sure she has the best chance to make a real difference, be strong and happy in her future.