We had a day of appointments at Randwick Children's Hospital.
They were all about my cerebral palsy.
We've had a couple of these, and they are long days.
Everything is still the same.
I'm still cheeky, and I still have awesome eyelashes.
You know, this house business.... it's a big thing.
Dad didn't even know that Aunty Carol wrote that post. He found out, when his phone started going crazy with messages and dings and 'bottle top opening' noises.
He looked over at Mum and asked "What has she done, now?"
Mum knew about the post. She just thought it was crazy.
They still can't believe it!
Nothing has happened yet, and already, Dad is worried how we will pay everyone back, for their kindness, generosity and support. He's scared that people will think he's greedy, because we asked for help with renovations. I told him that people weren't helping him... they are helping me.
#DoingItforDexter, not #DoingItForDad! #cheeky
Really and seriously, though... Mum and Dad understand that this is a huge thing. They couldn't afford to do it themselves, and I really do need it. They don't know what to say to show their appreciation! They promise to throw the biggest thank you party and they promise to be the best community people they can be.
There's already plans on how to keep Mum and Dad away from the renovations, so they don't know what is happening. We will be careful with the photos we post on line, sneaky peek ones, with more focus on the tradies, than the work they did. We are going to try to hide it from Mum and Dad. We might even need a big fence to go around the property, so they can't take a sneaky drive by! We could hang advertising on the fence, so everyone knows who is working inside.
There are plans to have a fantastic party, with everyone invited, and Mum and Dad seeing the finished renovations, for the first time... with no one else inside the house. They will cry.
After that, we will share all the photos, and probably, some video, too. We want all of you to enjoy this journey, as much as we will.
They deserve this, Mum and Dad.
For every month I stayed in hospital, and for every one of those nights they slept beside my hospital bed... For the day they shaved my chemo-killed hair and the days they passed me to the surgeon, so he could cut me open.... For the days they saw me blue, and floppy and for the day they were told about my brain damage. They deserve something beautiful.
For the way they let me be placed in the public eye, so I can raise awareness and understanding of people with disabilities. That's not an easy thing... to constantly show the world my disability, to openly share disappointments and setbacks. It's hard for them. But, its good to raise awareness.
And, I am a happy, brave and determined little boy, because they taught me that. There has always been a silver lining, a rainbow... a reason to see hope. We've always looked for it - sometimes, through tears, but... we've always found the silver linings.
I think my friends see that. I think you all see our courage and our positive outlook, even when it would be easier for us to sit in a corner and cry..., we smile.
There are some exciting things happening, and some plans are being shared around. There is nothing formal being done, yet. We will contact the people who have offered assistance, soon, and touch base with them all. We so appreciate it.
Hopefully, my baby sister will stay in Mum, for as long as she can.
Are you ready for an adventure? Let's go!
Sloppy kisses xxx
Oh! The Kiama Independent reporter is coming over tomorrow!