a precious gift

after watching each of our children start their life journey we began to plan for our next stage.
we were surprised to see that wasn't happening, with the plans put on hold as we were given our 2 yr old grandson to care for.
.
From the time he came into our full-time care we put all our efforts into giving him everything he needed and deserves.
With the personal issues he was to overcome, due to the past he had been taken away from, we were yet to know what lay in-store for him and what real hurdles he would still have to overcome.
not knowing that those underlying issues of neglect would delay the diagnosis of Aspergers/Autism until he turned 9 and therefore too old to access any early intervention assistance and leaving us without anywhere to turn for help.

We still worked hard to show him a protective loving environment and were eventually rewarded with a beautiful vibrant personality.
Never letting anything keep him down, his natural instinct, was to continue forward regardless. His bubbly energetic love for life unveiled, even with his diagnosis, he still found the good in everything he encountered.
Even with a one step forward, then three paces back, he always finds a way to bring a smile to everyone's face.

How can any parent 'not' look into the eyes of their precious child and need to instantly nurture, protect, and educate? 
Having the chance to encourage, experience and enjoy every aspect and milestone with a precious child; what a beautiful gift we were given.
Without a moment to breathe or fully acknowledge the implications of our decision.
We would never have hesitated; we would never have refused;
We did what had to be done; we did it out of love!
the journey still continues and we are happy to be a part of it.

Anonymous
lithgow, Australia