My husband, Jason, and I were never the lovey-dovey, hearts-and-flowers types on Valentine’s Day. The most I could expect was a simple card – no mushy stuff – and a homecooked meal for dinner, but I didn’t mind. I was happy to leave the cheesy romance to others. Yet, despite our low-key love, it’d eventually become the most important – and lifechanging – day of the year to us.
I’d met Jason, then 28, in February 2010, and by December 2013 was nine months pregnant with our first child. It should’ve been an exciting time – and it was – until I was made redundant from my job as a graphic designer just before my maternity leave started.
‘We’ll be fine,’ Jason promised, and while it wasn’t ideal, we managed at first. Layla was born that month, exploding into our lives in a bundle of dirty nappies, constant feeds and baby babble. Jason’s income as a self-employed renderer kept us afloat, and once we were in a routine with Layla, I took on some freelance work. Only, a year later, Jason​ injured his back at work and was laid up as he recovered. With no money coming in, we quickly started struggling. One afternoon in January 2015, I sat in the living room staring at a pile of unopened bills while Layla, then one, crawled around my feet.
Our rent was due, too, but checking our bank account,I felt a sense of dread. ‘Thirty pounds,’ I whispered to myself, anxiety washing over me.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
EAT WELL (even on a budget) - Easy meals that make the most of your store cupboard, and won't break the bank
Courgette and pesto pasta
The CATCH
The house was perfect - so why was it so cheap?
Elizabeth and THE RAIN
She had made Lisa's life a misery- and now she was back
I won't stop taking my daughter out of school... - TO GO TO THE BEACH!
One mum tells us why fun, spontaneous days are sometimes more important than being in the classroom
Where's the JUSTICE?
Catherine Wardle's son died over a senseless Snapchat spat
Fat-shamed BY MY MUM
Gemma Hall, 28, showed off her snaps and got a dose of tough love
Fighting for SURVIVAL
When Danielle Camilleri collapsed at 40, the diagnosis was devastating
Finding love AFTER LOSS
As Kelsey Parker moves on after losing her husband Tom, we investigate how difficult it is to find love again in widowhood
Phil's revenge
Phillip Schofield is back on our screens after a 16-month hiatus and it seems it's all-out war between the former presenter and ITV.
'I'm too scared TO HAVE SURGERY'
Christine Lampard on gratitude, staying in shape and date nights with husband Frank.