It took us months and months to get ready for the renovations.
They were exciting months... and, sometimes, scary months.
There were incredible days; full of love and support and hopes and excitement.
And, there were days when we thought it would all fall apart.
Mum and Dad increased their mortgage by $100,000, to cover some of the costs of the renovations. If they didn't have the kindness of our amazing supporting businesses and tradesmen, we would only have been able to extend the living room out in to the courtyard.
The house would still have had steps and small, isolating rooms.
Because so many people were willing and able to support us, we were able to re-do the whole house. Mum and Dad spent over their budget, but we are really close to being finished, now. We can't wait to show you the new driveway and the front ramp. And, we're about to start painting the render! Soon!
This has to be one of our #turningfive Birthday Countdown memories. The finished house is definitely a happy memory and this has been a significant event in my life!
I've always recognised the good in people. I've always been drawn to people with big hearts and genuine love for me. I met many, many amazing people. And, when I met them again later, I recognised a lot of their voices. I've had quite a few cuddles, and I've enjoyed them all.
It's hard to really explain how bad things are, and how different they are with new changes.
It's hard to explain how happy we are.
It's hard to explain how a house can be 'inclusive'.
It's hard to explain our gratitude.
Maybe... imagine the one thing you would most love to have, in the whole world! Imagine it was a far off dream... one you believed was impossible.
And then, imagine someone saying you could have it.
You could have your dream!
The new home is like that.
It was a big learning curve, for us, but we had a lot of fun.
We learned from many talented and professional business people. Some of them taught us some great new skills. We studied our Tradies List, so we could remember the names of our tradie mates, supporting businesses and everything they had done for us. We wanted to use their names, to really show our appreciation. (It was a bit trickier, when our tradie friends were not in their uniforms! That tricked some of us a few times!)
My littlest sister has an incredible memory. It's like Dad's. She remembers so much!
All through the renovations, we talked about who was at the house and what they were doing. We taught her to be thankful by reminding her to thank all of the tradie mates. She still remembers so many tradie mates, referring to them by name.
See our list of tradie mates and supporting businesses here.
The Original Idea
Dexter's Fun Plans
Click here to see who offered support
What a Dollar means to Dexter
When Wheelchair Stops Being a Dirty Word
About the Sisters
Dexter's 2013
Dexter's First Month
Dexter's Vision
Dexter's Cerebral Palsy
Dexter's Cancer
Who is Dexter?
Return to Home page
Find me on: facebook twitter instagram pinterest youtube