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Heather and Issy I am the mum of a lovely little girl called Isobella. Issy is 3 years old and has Cerebral Palsy. She was very poorly when born and suffered brain damage, this means that at this time, she is unable to talk, sit, stand or walk – but she blows the most beautiful kisses. Our lives were torn apart when we were given Issy’s diagnosis – but it’s not just the disability you have to deal with, it’s all the shattered hopes and dreams. I have a 14 year old son who, as a child, loved Power Rangers, wrestling, worms and spiders! When I found out I was a having a little girl I was thrilled! We could dress up as princesses and fairies, play with dolls, cuddle up on the sofa and watch Disney movies – Cinderella, Snow White and Christmas would be special again – writing letters to Santa, leaving mince pies and carrots and of course getting up at 4.00am to see if Santa’s been. All these dreams were shattered too. Just to keep going I had to mentally put these in a box and bury them deep inside me – it was a very heavy box to carry around. Then one day my health visitor rang me and gave me the number for Hawthorn Family Support Centre. A lady came out to see us and like all the others asked me lots of questions about Isobella, then she did something no one else had ever done before, SHE ASKED ME HOW I WAS. When I’m at Hawthorn, I can open my box and talk to other parents because they understand and know how I feel. I have been able to find out about services I never knew existed and I have learnt, through portage and the playroom, how I can help my daughter to learn new skills. I still carry the box with me today and I probably always will, but now it’s lighter and easier to bear. I will be leaving Hawthorn at the end of this term, but I am a better mother to my daughter, a happier and stronger person and someone who thinks she is very lucky to have such a wonderful daughter. We have travelled a very long and emotional journey and thanks to the wonderful caring staff, the children and fabulous parents from all over Leeds who I would never have met otherwise I have made some wonderful friends who will be there for me if ever I need them. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making such a difference – this service is priceless! |
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Issy's Story |
