Whilst on holiday recently and the most of the holiday around other people I found myself feeling quite lonely. The other kids were able, and I watched Jonnie and Lauren’s Uncle Doug carry her around so she could join in, it was a busy but fun holiday. I found myself just more and more aware of our rigid routine and schedule and Lauren’s things she needed. More aware of her inabilities, that I really don’t like to focus on. I focus on her achievements and such. I found this holiday hard.

On the second to last day, exhausted and having a lot on my mind, we were in a place called Aberystwyth. There were castle ruins here and a park. WHilst playing in the ruins and enjoying the fresh air, the other kids ran around and Lauren was able to join in a bit of it, we practised some walking with her on a flat bit. As we were doing this in the corner of my eye I could see a lady looking over and smiling. Next to her was a boy in a wheelchair.

We did a little more playing, but then Lauren saw him. I asked if we should go say hello and she responded Yeah! So we walked over and was met by a lovely mum and son. I didn’t get her name. I don’t recall his name if we got it. But we said Hi, Lauren hugged him haha! Poor boy! He looked a bit older than Lauren.

She praised Lauren for her walking and we chatted about the lovely wheelchair the boy was in. She gave me some info I asked about. We chatted about piedro boots. She wasn’t afraid to notice these things. There were no boundaries. She was lovely. We didn’t exchange what was ‘wrong’ with our children. There was however a mutual likeness for one another and the short conversation completely lifted me.

For a very short time I felt like it was my territory. I felt elevated. We said good bye and continued with our day. But that mum made our day.

I’m so glad I have no boundaries now and can speak to anyone. Lauren has given me that. What a lovely gift.

xxx