Today I turn 26. (A post by Kelsey)
12 April 2020
Somehow, I’ve made it to 26.
I’ve survived a boat fire, a near-miss car crash, a volcanic eruption, 45% full-thickness burns, fourteen trips to theatre, and so far, a global pandemic.
My body has a million scrapes, scars and burns, which I’m learning to love everyday.
My mind and soul are still catching up and trying to accept what has happened over the last four years. For some reason, it’s started to catch up today.
But I’m here, and that’s all that matters.
I’m so proud of how far I’ve come, how resilient my body is, and I couldn’t be more thankful for all the love and light I have in my life. Even if I can’t be with them all today.
Happy birthday to me, and here’s to a slightly quieter next four years 🥳
Thanks again for all of your support and messages. I appreciate each and every one of them.
If you want to see more of my recovery journey you can follow me on Instagram @kezzelsify
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Happy birthday Shelley. I was lucky enough to have you as my guide last July when.I took the White Island trip. I have followed your recovery and so pleased you are slowly getting your life back. Life can be a bitch at times but you seem to have managed to deal with it much better than I think I could. I admire your outlook and wish you a very very happy birthday. Gary
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Dear Kelsey, Happy Birthday darling girl. So very proud of you. Kevin (husband) and I were looking at White today and talking about you. What enormous change you have faced. Keep on pushing. We think you're amazing.
Much Love Gill Molony xxxxx
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Kia ora Kelsey
A very Happy Birthday. We hope that you have enjoyed your day.
Arohanui
The Millard Whānau
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Happy Birthday and Happy Easter Kelsey! You are an inspiration to us all. Keep digging deep and being kind to yourself. Vanessa.
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Dear Kelsey, Best wishes for your 26th birthday. You look just as beautiful as the day I first met you, when my family and I took a tour of the Island in January 2019. My granddaughter Kelsie was with me and we were talking to another guide when she asked my grandaughter her name. When she heard her name was Kelsie she called you over and introduced her to yourself. You had quite a chat with my Kelsie and her two sisters, and I will always remember that meeting - you made Kelsie feel very special. So after the eruption when I read your name in the news I knew it was you and it saddened me and Kelsie very much.
I would like to now wish you every happiness.
Keep being strong
Shelley, Kelsie,Sasha and Paige 🌻
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Kia Ora Kelsey
First, HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I hope your bubble made it the best they could in the circumstances.
Second, you're amazing. Absolutely amazing.
Your honest and generosity in telling your story is awesome.
Kia haumaru. Kia kaha wahine toa
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Hi Kelsey!
Hope you had a lovely birthday. I have felt privileged to follow your journey. You look gorgeous, love your hair. Yes the scars are part of your journey, and you've had a hell of a journey. I hope that all the years ahead are full of love, and good times, and friends and family. Thank you for sharing such private times with us. I might have to get onto Instagram to keep following what you are doing.
Janet