29 Holmewood Ridge, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0ED

Tel: 01892 862430

e-mail: hughandsue@sansom-family.co.uk

 

Dear Friends,

Please excuse an email Circular and Christmas Greeting - but it brings you our warmest greetings - even if in a rather impersonal way!

This year has been somewhat challenging for us both. Most of you will know that Sue became partially sighted just before Christmas 2007, and this has caused quite a lot of adaptation for both of us. Sue cannot now read a book or drive - two things she has really enjoyed for over 50 years. This has meant that she can no longer speak at meetings (she cannot see her notes or rely on her memory). But on the plus side she can cook, do the washing and ironing, (but not see any dirt or dust!). So all in all we carry on - Sue can still knit and has a huge TV to watch sport. It does not take much imagination to realise how this has impacted on Hugh - reading letters and magazines to Sue, and being the only driver.

We have had 4 short holidays this year - two weeks in Zermatt in January (Hugh’s farewell to skiing), 5 days in Spain with Mary & Gareth, and 5 days in the Loire Valley with friends (travelling on Eurostar was far better than the hassles of Gatwick or Heathrow). Then in October we were on a cruise (Aegean & Eastern Mediterranean, and enjoyed some lovely Greek Islands (especially Santorini) before docking in Alexandria, and having a day in Cairo. But the cruise came to an abrupt end there when Hugh’s prostate bunged up his waterworks. We had to fly back to UK from Cairo, and during November he had a prostate operation with the attendant troubles of recovery. So we have had six weeks of strain - but he is now making progress - and hopes to be back to tennis in January! Our local church has been marvellous in giving Sue lifts to visit Hugh in hospital, as he was in twice, for 4 and 5 nights

As far as the wider family is concerned, our 4 daughters (and their 3 husbands) are all well, and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren thrive. Deborah (Mary & Gareth’s eldest) and her husband Justin (a water engineer) + Caleb (nearly 5) and Bethanie (2) are off to the Sudan in early January for 2 years with S.I.M. Jonathan (M & G’s No 2) and Ruth, Joshua (5), Noah (2½) and Esther (10 months) are now at Oakhill Theological College where Jon is training for the Anglican ministry.

All the family, including the grandchildren, have been wonderfully supportive this year which is very heartwarming. We have also been very grateful for the prayers and practical help of so many friends.

With our love and best wishes for Christmas and the New Year

Hugh & Sue