A Christmas message with a difference by Kim Roberts

If you’re familiar with Jayva’s festive blogs (see 2023’s ‘A cracker of a Christmas message’ and 2022’s ‘Pondering, praising and planning’), you’ll know they’re normally written by our CEO Nicola Moore-Miller. This year, however, we’re breaking from tradition and I’ve been chosen as the author instead.

The reason is this: I’ve just completed a year-long cancer journey, rang the bell to signify the end of my treatment, had it confirmed I’m cancer-free and now want to share three reasons to be grateful this Christmas…

Reason #1: Good health is a blessing

In January, two days after my 51st birthday, I noticed something slightly amiss in my body. I had no idea it was the beginning of a gruelling eleven months of intrusive examinations, life-changing (and life-saving) surgery and painful medication to finally get the all clear in December.

Having literally been given a second lease of life, I affirm that good health is the most underrated blessing in the world and your body is worth looking after. In the words of Jim Rohn, “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”

Reason #2: Life’s simple things are the most extraordinary things

The biggest milestone reached this past year was getting back onto a horse. I’m a keen horse rider and it’s one of life’s pleasures I’ve missed the most. The absolute joy of getting my surgeon’s green light to return to the stables and ride Jeanie is impossible to explain. It’s a huge stand-out occasion from 2024.

As Winston Churchill once said, “Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection”, I urge you to take time to appreciate life’s small things which bring the greatest happiness, however seemingly insignificant they may appear to others.

Reason #3: Being surrounded by loved ones is a precious gift

My treatment and healing odyssey has been such a huge success because of the excellent care I’ve received by the attentive doctors and nurses in hospital, devoted family members at home and loving friends who’ve stood firmly by my side throughout. I’m truly blessed to be surrounded by a network of wonderful people to guide and support me.

Sadly, many people find themselves alone at Christmas as they’re not lucky to have the same web of friends and family. Being a season of kindness and togetherness, it would be magical if everyone could embrace the sentiment in this quote from Dr Seuss: “Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart, and hand in hand.” The best gift isn’t underneath your Christmas tree, it’s the presence of others and shared affection.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year to one and all

In the classic Christmas film, It’s a Wonderful Life, the character Zuzu Bailey says, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” In my case, though, it’s butterfly wings. You see, having read that butterflies rest when it rains because it damages their wings, to take flight once more when the storm’s over, ringing the bell in the Alexandra Hospital only a matter of days ago was the moment I emerged as a butterfly ready to launch myself into 2025.

Whatever the hearing of ringing bells this Yuletide means to you, I send heartfelt wishes for a very merry Christmas and happy New Year – from me and the Jayva team. Genuine season’s greetings to you and yours.