We were lost, for a while.
Slowly, we started to become more familiar with the new direction we were facing.
We started to feel more comfortable.
We learned a new language (the language of disabilities and childhood cancer, and we learned medical terms).
We made new friends; people who support us and help us feel brave and strong.
We solidified relationships with old friends, who were not afraid to see us for the new people we had become.
Now, five years later, we are stronger and more determined.
We are more damaged and hurt, so we break more easily, but we have learned resilience and have more courage than ever before.
2017 is our year to be bold, to get things done.
2017 is our year.
How fitting, that the 2017 International Women's Day theme is Be Bold For Change!
#BeBoldForChange
We're in!
You need to be brave, to be bold. You need to trust yourself. You need to stop listening to the doubters and the people who judge.
It's amazing how strong you start to feel, when you believe in yourself more than in the people who doubt you.
#BeBoldForChange
Many people see kids with disabilities and childhood illness as 'little champions', 'superheroes', 'strong'... And, they are.
Dexter is the most determined, most brave and most genuine person I know.
Some of that character is genetic. Some is because of the incredible challenges he has overcome and the effort and determination he shows, every day.
A lot of his strength comes from the support he is given, by incredibly strong and determined women.
Often, with our sick kids and our kids with disabilities, it's the mum who attends to the child's daily needs, their anxieties and their care. Usually, the dads are at work, making money to cover the extra expenses to pay for what these kids often need.
So, the mums teach these little superheroes to be strong.
The mums teach them perseverance, courage and hope.
Often, the mums focus so much on their little superhero, they forget to care for themselves. Many mums are sleep deprived. Many have anxiety and constant worry for the future. Many mums of superheros cry, usually when no one is watching, far more often than people realise.
Our superhero mums feel the judgement and doubt from others; sometimes because they are made to justify their belief in their child.
Sometimes, these mums have to fight for their child's rights.
They use endless energy making sure their child is included and their needs are met. Their budgeting skills are amazing and their calendars are full of appointments, treatments and therapies.
These incredible women are jugglers and never give up.
(We don't see them at their worst moments, because they know most people are not strong enough to cope with their fear and misery. They protect us from that.)
Today, on International Women's Day, we want to send love and support to all the mums of superheroes. We want to draw attention to the incredible effort you give, the love you show and the bravery that keeps you going. Your kids are strong, because of you.
If you know a mum who does incredible things for their child, reach out to them today. Tell them you admire what they do. Let them know you see their efforts.
(That includes the mums of superheros who are now adults.)
Let's support each other.
#BeBoldForChange
Carol
Flying Fox Fun
Mum was Crying in the Ball Pit
What a Dollar means to Dexter
When Wheelchair Stops Being a Dirty Word
I’m a Kindy Kid!
Dexter's 2013
Dexter's First Month
Dexter's Vision
Dexter's Cerebral Palsy
Dexter's Cancer
Who is Dexter?
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