Note: my VLOG from day two of MHAW is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNPLLVQQIDA
By Becky Davies, Patrol Sergeant in Exeter, East and Mid-Devon policing area, Twitter: @PC_Becky_Davies
#1
Name: Mum
Why have you chosen this person? Because without her I may not have recovered when I did from postnatal depression. Since recovering she supports me to campaign for better mental health. Without her this would not be possible. Without her I would not be able to be a full time police officer working towards promotion.
Your relationship e.g. Mum, Cousin, friend, partner etc. : mum
How long have you known one another? Since birth ;)
How did you first meet? When I appeared a few days after Xmas! I was due on Xmas day!
What was your first thought/opinion on this person? Mum and I went to hell and back when I was a child. She was a dv victim from my dad. I can't tell you my first thoughts but might consistent thoughts over 33 years are: stoical, resilient, consistent, reserved, loving, supportive.
Has this changed? No.
List three highlights from your relationship so far. When she binned my dad. When she came to see me pass out as a police officer. When I made her a nanna.
Has there been any low or difficult moments in your relationship? If yes, how have these been overcome? Many. By supporting each other. Talking which we are not very good at sometimes. Laughing.
Do you have any differences of opinion, views or beliefs? If yes, what are they? Probably but she usually keeps her opinions to herself and picks up the pieces.
List three things you have in common. The outdoors. Reading a good book. Red wine.
Is there anything you're looking forward to with this person? Making her proud (more proud).
Describe this person with one word. Consistent.
Write one sentence of something you would like to say to this person.
You are a great role model and without you I dread to think which path I would have gone down at 13 years of age.
#2
Name: Kristen
Why have you chosen this person? My bubbly beautiful kiwi best friend.
Your relationship e.g. Mum, Cousin, friend, partner etc. : best friend.
How long have you known one another? About 7 years.
How did you first meet? Through a mutual friend, we were both single and had springer spaniels!
What was your first thought/opinion on this person? I had met K before and thought she hated me. She was in a bad relationship at the time and not in a good place. When I met her again I though we would be friends for a while.
Has this changed? I love her to pieces. If she binned me it would be like the breakup of a serious relationship!
List three highlights from your relationship so far. Our dog walks in various beautiful locations in Devon. The intellectual conversations I can have with her and very few others. A trip to Bath that went a bit wrong but provided some wicked memories.
Has there been any low or difficult moments in your relationship? If yes, how have these been overcome? We are both in the past picked the wrong guys and had difficulties. It's hard for the other person to watch but we are there for each other no matter what.
Do you have any differences of opinion, views or beliefs? If yes, what are they? Not that I can think of which is strange.
List three things you have in common. Love of dogs. Love of horses. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc!
Is there anything you're looking forward to with this person? Seeing her tomorrow for a bar b with two other close friends (my chosen family). Growing old with her and causing chaos in the nursing home. One day seeing New Zealand with her.
Describe this person with one word. Beautiful.
Write one sentence of something you would like to say to this person.
I love and respect you, you are my sister, my best friend, I cannot imagine life without you.
#3
Name: Ad.
Why have you chosen this person? Because he deserves credit for living with a miserable moody partner who is not the person he met.
Your relationship e.g. Mum, Cousin, friend, partner etc. : partner.
How long have you known one another? 3 years.
How did you first meet? At work.
What was your first thought/opinion on this person? Ooh he's fit but he looks a bit square.
Has this changed? He's still fit and a square but there is much more to him. He has a cool fun side that nor everyone sees.
List three highlights from your relationship so far. Working together. I come with ideas and he makes them happen which is really empowering. Getting together, I was patient for once as due to his situation it would have been wrong to push something when I wanted to. Holiday in lanzarote last year.
Has there been any low or difficult moments in your relationship? If yes, how have these been overcome? Many. By talking which we aren't always great at doing and sticking together.
Do you have any differences of opinion, views or beliefs? If yes, what are they? Many. I am very impatient. If something needs sorting, it's been sorted yesterday. Ad has a more laid back approach. But then so do most other people.
List three things you have in common. Good films. Starch free food (Ad is a convert) and interesting conversation.
Is there anything you're looking forward to with this person? Holiday to France in September. Beautiful Days festival in August. Being more the person I was when we met.
Describe this person with one word. Cheesy (it may seem offensive but refers to some of his jokes which make me laugh because they are so terrible).
Write one sentence of something you would like to say to this person. One day soon life will get back on an even keel.
#4
Name: Beth
Why have you chosen this person? Because I would die for her.
Your relationship e.g. Mum, Cousin, friend, partner etc. : daughter.
How long have you known one another? Since she had hiccups when she was growing in my belly!
How did you first meet? When she was born and I was trying not to drown her in the birthing pool!
What was your first thought/opinion on this person? Wow.
Has this changed? No.
List three highlights from your relationship so far. Her appearance in the world. When I reconnected with her following the pnd. Every time she cones out with something that cracks me up.
Has there been any low or difficult moments in your relationship? If yes, how have these been overcome? Yes. My determination to recover.
Do you have any differences of opinion, views or beliefs? If yes, what yes all the time. She's a toddler. Brushing her hair is a particular challenge!
List three things you have in common. Looking at her is like looking at me when I was her age. We are both fiercely independent and impatient.
Is there anything you're looking forward to with this person? Watching her grow. Taking her on a plane for the first time with her in September. Breakfast with her tomorrow (I'm sometimes at work already or sleeping from shift).
Describe this person with one word. Incredible.
Write one sentence of something you would like to say to this person. You are the funniest, most beautiful person I know inside and outside and I love spending time with you more than anyone else.