Through three years plus of intense shifting of circumstances, the reality of life hits home and hits hard. Sharing my story and the two major lessons I've learnt in going through difficult circumstances in this post.

Never wear the victim hat. It never looks good on anyone. Acknowledging that we are sad or hurt is absolutely fine and healthy. Allowing ourself to be stuck in a self-pity mode is not.

We have lived an almost normal life for the past year, but are bluntly reminded of reality whenever we go for his medical checkup for his cancer.

Thanks to "well-meaning" advice about being a step mum, I've gone into a marriage as a new wife and instant mum—handicapped from day one.