*This week, the school tested gs aged 7 in math. We're so proud of him, he's ahead of his peers! When he came to me three years ago he was a little fellow that had difficulties with speech, a mouthful of cavities and I worried for his future. He came from a life of home invasions, seeing people stabbed and watching drug deals go down. It's been tough at times. People forget that little people experience trauma that doesn't leave them when they go to a new home or family. There are tears and tiredness, but I could never give up on him. He's maintained a strong relationship with his cousins. He's stable in his family network. We all work to keep him safe and give him the physical, emotional and social stability he deserves. Now, his future is an exciting thought. *A little over a year ago the professionals thought little boy here had severe disabilities, scored so low on developmental charts it was scary. Now he is a happy little boy meeting almost all of his milestones *My 3 eldest grandkids since 2002 eldest in steady employment just had her third trip overseas Second one Junior citizen of the year 2011 in the Australia Day. Honours youngest special needs had no speech until 7 now in high school getting awards very much loved *Xxxxx 9 years, Won 4 of her races at school this week, so going into the inter school sports. So Proud of my little pocket rocket. Xxxxx new name at school *When gd came to stay, she was terrified, had lots of trauma related issues & anxiety & concentration were a big hurdle for her, she got involved with horses, she said " it's my happy place, where I don't think about all the other stuff" She has commitment & the passion, so I bought the horse & everything else that goes with it! It's been a long road, as at the start she couldn't remember to saddle him up after being shown repeatedly, but after lots of patience & time she got there ! The horse has been a great teacher for anxiety, she now rides competitive & does very well. This kid is the love & joy of our lives, she's had obstacles, but together we work it out *My grandsons came to me almost 3 years ago. No confidence. No friends. No trust for anyone. Wouldn't mingle at school. One grossly overweight the other severely underweight. They now speak freely and confidently to all they meet. Have close friends. Eldest voted as SRC representative by his peers at school. The youngest has been awarded school citizenship award 2 years running plus gold award last year. They both received managers award trophy for football last year. They openly talk to me now about anything that's bothering them including bad dreams. I know they now feel safe secure and consistently loved. *My grandchildren are awesome, have overcome insurmountable challenges. Grandson now 15 yrs old is vision impaired and doing peer support for year sevens and is on the student representative council for the second year, my granddaughter now 16 yrs old has epilepsy and 18p duplication chromosome syndrome and is brilliant at drama and writing. I am now 70 yrs old and although the struggle has been enormous both mentally and financially, I would not hesitate to do it all again, these wonderful kids are my whole existence. *Grandchild when graduating kinder the children were asked what they wanted to be when they grew up? While others stated they wanted to be a princess, pterodactyl and doctors my grandchild was the only one who said " I want to be just like my Nan!", certainly was an emotional moment. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Above are real stories about real children given a chance at living a healthy life. Our lives are not all about the struggle, it's times like these that make everything worthwhile and we feel the sunshine that is our lives. A simple "I love you" taken for granted by many, reinforces our resolve and commitment to ensure these kids are not forgotten, to ensure they do not slip through the cracks and that they have the best opportunity to shine & fulfill their dreams. #ImOneOfMany