First... Let's go back in time a little...
A couple of months ago, Lenice and I had been sitting in the backyard with Dexter and his sister and a cup of coffee. We were wearing comfy winter clothes.
Lenice said she felt old and frumpy. She said she would love a make-over.
With Dexter, she is always covered in drool or spit or spew. She spends no time on her hair, and shopping with Dexter is not easy... and there's also that underlying guilt about having him sit for too long in his pram, instead of exercising.
And so, I sent a young lady an email... I asked her whether she could do anything? Melissa, our i98FM Local Hero of the Year set off to create the most wonderful of days for Lenice.
Yesterday was the result of that!
Melissa sent out emails to local businesses and
Jindaleespa Kiama, Tussta Hair Kiama, Classic Cars and Chachis Restaurant
all volunteered to donate their time and services to Lenice.
At this stage, Lenice had been told to keep the day free... her calender is always very full and setting the day aside was essential.
So, the calender was marked, the businesses were locked in and Lenice started wondering and guessing...
Someone she trusted needed to be booked in for babysitting. They had to be certain they could be free for the whole day, and this person needed to be comfortable looking after Dexter. Nicole quickly jumped at the chance to 'sit on the kids' and we locked her in for the day. (She brought along two of her own boys, which pleased Dexter and his sister!)
Melissa also set the day aside and was ready to be Lenice's private driver for the day.
And finally, the day arrived and Lenice was ready to be surprised.
An envelope was handed to her... her first clue was inside it.
You’ve got an exciting day today- Nicole will be babysitting the kids so first stop-
Jindalee Spa
26 Collins St, Kiama
You have an appointment at- 11.00am
You’ll be getting a Facial, Eyelash Tint and Manicure and Pedicure…
ENJOY….. RELAX…. HAVE FUN….. You deserve it! xo
(because she had been wearing closed in shoes and her nail polish wasn't dry, yet!)
Hope you enjoyed getting pampered... before you head back home to the kids…
go buy some lunch or even a coffee but make sure you are at...
Tussta Hair & Beauty by 2pm
4/44 Manning St, Kiama
Because you’re getting a Hair Colour, Treatment and Cut- & your make up done.
Enjoy xo
She was given a half head of foils and a trim. Her hair was styled and her face was made up. Lenice was feeling great and looking great...
Hope you’ve enjoyed your day... but guess what it’s not over yet.…
you’ll find what’s next when you get home…
I love surprises - Don’t you?
xo
Soon, Lenice was handed her fourth clue:
Go get dressed into something nice you would wear out - be ready by 6.00pm - make sure Andrew is ready and wearing something nice too.
xo
This is it... the last surprise…. Enjoy your trip from Cool Classic Cars
to Chachi's Restaurant in Kiama where you and Andrew get to have a lovely
Dinner for 2 (and drinks of course)… The bill is covered so eat and drink up!
The Car will pick you up at 9pm. If you need it earlier... call Melissa and we will get the car there earlier.. I hope you have enjoyed your day and I also hope that you have realised how much the community is behind you.
Everyone is willing to help…
We all love Dexter and want to help him in every way we can
but we also cherish you and Andrew as parents.
You have been through a lot so tonight, don’t stress or worry, just enjoy your time together. Now that I’ve ticked off the ‘Make Mum and Dad feel special’ part of Dexter’s Wish List, I can hopefully make my way through all the other things for Dexter.
Enjoy YOUR night xo
It was incredible!
By this time, it was dark, so we plan to get together again soon and take some photos as a family, with the car.
Lenice and Andrew were chauffeur driven in to Chachi's Restaurant.
Greg snapped away at them, while the other people in the restaurant looked over and wondered just who Lenice and Andrew were... and why they were receiving such attention!
An interview took place at the table and Lenice and Andrew were able to acknowledge each and every one of the businesses who had donated their time and services to make this such an unforgettable day.
(We'll be sure to let you know when the article is in the paper!)
They arrived home to sleeping children.
They both looked younger and relaxed.
Nicole did a beautiful job babysitting the two kids, and Lenice was reassured having Nicole there. Thank you, Nicole! xx
The ladies at Jindaleespa and Tussta Hair treated Lenice to hours of luxurious pampering. She looked amazing and felt just as good. The 1959 Cadillac from
Cool Classic Cars was such fun, and the perfect way of transporting Lenice and Andrew to and from Chachi's Restaurant. The food and service there were excellent, and the meal and wine was greatly enjoyed.
None of these businesses asked for any money from Lenice, Andrew or Melissa.
Each of them donated their time and services, because they recognised the daily difficulties of having a child with severe cerebral palsy. They recognised the hardship Lenice and Andrew had endured as they helped Dexter through his cancer journey and they acknowledged the trauma of 122 days in the neo-natal intensive care unit.
These businesses heard Dexter's story, recognised Lenice and Andrew's strength and positive attitudes, and agreed to give Lenice and Andrew a day they could remember, with a smile, forever.
And for that, we are extremely grateful! Thank you!
which made the day just that little bit more exciting!