Six months ago, Lenice posted this picture on Dexter's facebook page. This was the caption: Look what we found at Surf Beach Park in Kiama! A new swing that is perfect for me! It has a really high back and a seatbelt to keep me safe! I love it! Thanks Kiama Council! This photo got a lot of support from Dexter's facebook friends. And that got me wondering... It's not a great photo of Dexter. He is a bit hidden in the shadows... his cerebral palsy affected hands are obvious, and there is nothing really 'cute', about the photo. So, why the likes and interest? Why such support of this photo? |
People are celebrating the fact there is a swing Dexter can use, and feel safe in.
People are happy that Dexter can go to the park, and join in the fun.
And, that makes me feel incredible happy.
I imagine, when we first started sharing Dexter's story, he got some interest because he was a 13 month old baby, having chemotherapy... losing his hair, fighting cancer and facing death.
That might sound a bit harsh, but that was the story we were sharing.
Deliberately, we always kept our posts very upbeat and cheeky.
There was incredible support shown to us, during that awful, awful time.
People worried about Dexter and they rallied around him.
And, when the oncologists said Dexter had beaten his hepatoblastoma, the celebrations were loud! We loved that!
We expected interest in Dexter to slowly disappear.
But, it didn't...
And so, we started sharing Dexter's cerebral palsy journey, with a few posts about childhood cancer and a few posts on his vision impairment. Every now and again, we mention his premature birth and his months in the NICU.
Over the last couple of years, we have shared so much about Dexter, and raised a lot of awareness of cerebral palsy.
Sure, over the years, some people stopped following Dexter, while others found him... but the interest in Dexter has been maintained... it has grown.
People care for him, and have taken in him, as part of their lives.
Some of you have been here, right from the start! Thank you so much!
And this brings me back to that swing photo.
I think, (and I am still trying to work out why that swing photo got so much love)... I think... Dexter's helped us all step up, to a new level of understanding.
I think Dexter has taken us from feeling sympathetic over a little boy with endless struggles (but a cheeky and determined nature)...
He has taken us to a place where we feel more passionate about being inclusive.
Now, we love inclusive parks. Dexter should have a swing he can swing in.
He should be able to do more at the park, than just lie on the grass.
He should be able to join the fun.
We all believe that. We want it for everyone.
I love that people love the swing photo... and I love the thought that people might be feeling more passionate about Dexter having equal opportunities... even though the swing might be heavier than normal to push, and some kids might not like the high back and the weird seat belts.
It seems people want Dexter to have a go at everything, and anything!
And, there's nothing more we could wish for.
He's not being put in the 'too hard basket', but is being brought up, surrounded by people who encourage him to 'never give up'.
The opportunities are endless, if we're determined enough to find a way.
Thank you for your continued support and for helping us realise a more inclusive environment for Dexter, and others like him.