This month’s winner
Nine months ago, I was sitting in a hotel room with my baby, my passport and a suitcase. My marriage had hit a patch so rough I was considering returning to my native country. The birth of my first child had been traumatic and my stepson had just moved in, changing our family dynamic. I felt unable to cope with my situation and unsure of who to turn to.
I had only known you for a year, but at the drop of a hat you came to the hotel and just hung out with me for a bit. We went for a walk, watched some TV, you made sure I had some food to eat, and you helped me to restore some much-needed perspective. I realised I was not alone in finding marriage and motherhood hard work and that I could go a bit easier on myself. You gave me the courage to talk to my husband about what was bothering me, and the self-esteem boost I needed to start gently exercising again.