Day Eighteen: Janine Hamilton

J-Bird:

My soul sister! I feel like it truly was fate that you applied for a volunteer role when you did! I cannot imagine having went to America with anyone other than you now! You are one of the most amazing people I know and such a treat to work with!

I was so aprehensive before meeting you because I had no idea what to expect, especially because I know the intensity of the programme we would be involved with. Instantly though I knew we get on just fine, I don't know if it was the accessories or the ease with which we were able to chat... I just knew.

However, I had no clue just how much we would have in common and how much support we would get from one another. It took me by surprise just how well we got on and, like I said, I just can't imagine having had to share that experience with anyone else.

I have told you this so many times before but the sake of you hearing it once again, I think you are a brilliant Youth Worker, you have many strengths that I wish I had! You connect with the young people in such an effortless and caring manner that it never seems forced and never seems like you have to. Your compassion and your empathy are two of your other key strengths. The way you allowed yourself to be emotional and open to the experiences of the group is very moving and lovely to watch.

Thank you for everything bird, both in America and here. Our chats, the hugs and the 'debriefs' were the only thing that kept me from going to bits in the USA! You are one of the most wonderful people I have had the fortune of coming into contact with and as cheesy as it may sound, I hope we will be FF ;)

Love, Junior Mints, debriefs, Holister spray, airport serenading and hugs xxx

Day Seventeen: Jonny Baxter

Jonny:

Well, matey! Where to begin? When I think of you, there are so many favourite memories that I couldn't just choose one. Whether is be The Bridge, Romania, Belgium, Ballycastle, the With or Without You moment..... Like I said, too many to choose from!

I can't tell you how much the support you have given me over the last few months (and beyond) has meant. That lunch in The House that day is one of the nicest things that happened around that time. The fact that you cared enough to come all the way over touched me so much and it's something I just can't thank you enough for.

All your little check ins, whether they be glances or text messages mean the world to me. You have a way of texting me just when I need to be cheered up, or when I need some encouragement or even just reasurance that God is listening ;)

One of my favourite things about working for the YMCA is the fact that I actually have an excuse to check in with you, to go on training sessions with you and of course, to go to London the odd time too. You are one of my favourite people to work with and I don't know whether it is because we have known one another for so long- but even if it isn't, I always have so much fun when we co-facilitate and you have such a knack for putting me at ease when delivering sessions.

Thank you for everything Jonny, I know there have been ups and downs, but I feel like these past few years have seen our friendship grow strong enough that if you needed anything, there would be nothing I wouldn't do, and recently has shown me that you would definately step up for me. Thank you for giving me encouragement to follow my faith as well, I don't find it easy and you always seem to make it a reality for me. And I will never forget the original sentiment of PUSH, that got me through more than I can tell you.

Love, giraffes, pamplemoose, duckb.... ;) , U2, angels and PUSH bracelets... xxx

Day Sixteen: Charlotte Dryden

Charlotte:

Well, we have already drunkenly reminisced about the first time I met you up that there mountain, hi. At the time I offered you that flump I had no idea at that time that we would end up spending so much time with one another and I now count you as one of my dearest friends.

I dont think Oh Yeah would be the place it is today without your passion, drive and enthusiasm for the place. As much as one place is not defined by individuals alone, I think it is clear for all to see that you too have been instrumental in the growth of the centre and the work it does.

On a personal level, I have loved getting to know you over the last few years and no matter when we hang out, there is always banter and craic to be had... and quite a few hangovers to recover from! From dropping bottles of Jager to counting enough pennies to send you to Peru, there is never a dull moment!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your care and support over the last few months. It means more than I can tell you to have someone as wonderful as you in my social circle! I know that I could scoot up the road to you at any time and be welcome. The same can be said for your wonderful fiancé! The warmth exudes from you both and I can't thank either of you enough for your friendship.

I hope you have a fantastic Christmas and that 2011 is the year that all your dreams come true!

Love, Jager, derry wans, gigs and more... xxx

Day Fifteen: Staff at the YMCA

I am absolutely blessed to get up everyday and come to work in a place like the Belfast YMCA. Yes, I do love the work I do and I enjoy the groups I work with- but the biggest strength of the Y is the people who work within it, by a country mile ;). I have never felt so supported and cared for as I have whilst working here and the compassion for each member of staff is just awe-inspiring. I feel it is everything a workplace should be.

Geraldine:
You are quite possibly the loveliest, most caring 'co-worker with authority' that I have ever encountered. Your care for those you work with is unrivalled and it shines through in every interaction. I remember you stopping your car as we were driving out one day just to sya hello to one of the daycare workers who was having a hard time. That level of compassion is so rarely seen in anyone in authority. You have been so understanding and warm over these past tough months and for that I will always be grateful, many other 'co-workers with authority' would have been less flexible in the circumstances. I hope you always know how much I appreciate your support, and your friendship. It's not often one can say that about their 'co-worker with authority' ;)

Kathy, Diane and Aly:
You three are three of the nicest and most genuine ladies I have ever met! Just like Geraldine, your support has been absolutely invaluable to me over these past few months. Just knowing that you are there to pop in to and have a wee bitch, or a moan or even a wee cry... Well, it means more than you can ever know. You are the model of what a supportive, Christian organisation should be. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Howard:
Your knowledge and unending answers relating to anything as diverse as technologicial advances in printer ink to the supportive nature of Croc shoes always fascinates me. Thank you for your general expertise and for the way that you always have some interesting angle on whatever debate we appear to be having at coffee time!

There are so many other members of the Y team that I feel have made my working experience here my most positive employment to date, but unfortunately they have moved on to pastures new. One of which was mentioned in an early advent calendar- Brian. Also notable mentions to Ziad (the gentleman of the Y) and Debs (who will always be my shopping/gossiping buddy).

I am so very blessed in being able to do the work I do, but even moreso due to the people I get to interact with in this office everyday.

Merry Christmas guys, here is to a productive and properous New Year in 2011.

Love, cups of earl grey, Christmas half hours and health and safety issues ;) xxx

Day Fourteen: Mary Young

Mays:

You, my dearest, are one in a million. Maybe even a billion! A smile that can light up rooms and a heart so big it could fit the whole of Scotland in it (if you reallllly wanted!!)

It seems absurd that we are as close as we are when we don't see each other from one month to the next and at times don't talk for a little while. But with you, time doesn't seem to factor into it at all. You are one of the very few people in my life that I could pick up the phone to you having not spoken in weeks and it be like I saw you an hour ago.

I have always loved your generosity and warmth Mays, you always remember about important things to people and you know how to make people feel valued and appreciated as friends. I will never forget the package of mix CDs you made me for at one of my low points. Such a little thought that meant the entire world to me.

I have had some of the best gig experiences with you as well, every time we meet we seem to have the knack of being at the most amazing events that knock us for six! I have seen two of my absolute fave bands with you and it made it all the more special to do so!

I dont see you as often as I would like, but I promise, a visit to Glasgow is in order for me very soon.

I hope you realise exactly how wonderful you are and much you mean to me. Thank you for everything darling.

Love, VIPin it up, free burgers, sleazys, white russians and battered burgers xxxx

Day Thirteen: Davy Matchett

Davy:

I remember the first time we ever met- outside Auntie Annies for a John D'Arcy gig that I no-one to go with and you offered to be my gig buddy for the evening! I don't even think I knew what you looked like then! And since then there have been countless gigs and a multitude of musical delights shared!

You are one of few people whose taste in music I always trust, you just seem to have a knack for liking bands I really like so when you offer me mix CDs, I always get excited! Thank you for introducing me to many a great tune and well, we all know about my well documented love for a certain Northern Irish band!

Thank you for always having a smile on your face when you see me and a hug for me. Whether we be sober or inebriated, passing ships or drinking together. You always make the time for a quick catch up and check in and it is such a lovely quality. I also love the wise cracks, that seem to come from absolutely nowhere but can have me in wrinkles.

I am so very proud and inspired by the big step you took professionally this year. It takes so much courage to just go for it and I commend you, wholeheartedly for giving it your best shot. I hope and pray you have every bit of success in this venture as you deserve!

Thank you for the music (not the Abba tune, mind) for the chats, for the hugs, for the giggles and for the offer of an iPod ;)

Love, sleep-filled festivals, tinnitus and musical memories... xxx

Day Twelve: Conor and Kerrie O'Neill

Conor and Kerrie:

I want to say thank you to you both for the support you have shown me in the last few months. Getting me straight on a flight to Tralee was such a practical way of helping and keeping my mind off everything that was going on around me. I will always appreciate that.

Conor, I know that we may not be the closest of siblings... but to know that you would step up and support me in the way you did means more than you will ever know. So thank you for that. I know that the emotional support side of things comes harder for you than I find it so it means a lot.

Kerrie, you really are amazing! I watch you as you deal with having twin babies, a little madam of a daughter who could buy and sell me, run a house AND study. You are an inspiration and I just don't think you are told often enough! Many lesser people would have caved in to the pressure of what deal with but you just get on with it, because you have to. You are a fabulous mother and the way in which Mols has changed over these past few years is testament to that. You should be so proud of yourself and all you have achieved.

Cant wait to see you and the bambinos next week. Til then, happy advent and I am sending all my love. Thank you for everything...

Love, shopping trips without the kids and hugs - lots of hugs xxx