my letter to mia on her 1st bday

Mia,

As you approach your first birthday, I sit back and think about how far

we have come. I can't believe that 12 months ago I was considering

what I would ay at your funeral- now I am planning your first birthday

celebration- you really are an amazing, strong and determined little girl

Miss Mia. I have been so scared many times throughout the year at the

thought of losing you, I think back to what we all went through form

Jan- June 2008- wow what a journey!

I do not know what the future holds for you- I do know we are doing all

we can for you now to make sure you have that best chance at that

future. You have proven to all involved in your care that you can do

anything. With that attitude my darling girl, your future should be

bright.

You have taught me so much in this year. My outlook on life has

changed. I believe you were given to us for a reason, you have many

things to do in this life time and nothing is going to hold you back.

Whether you end up in a wheelchair or not this will not stop you. You

make sure you do what you want to with your life and your dad and I

will be supportive of you every step of the way. There will be some

tough obstacles to overcome, and some people might be cruel, but just

know you deserve to be here and are strong enough to overcome

anything that stands in your way. You have proved from day 1 that you

are a fighter. Believe in yourself and you will achieve.

I needed to write this book for a few reasons Mia, the main one being that

when we received the diagnosis of your condition and we started to

research there was nothing out there that I could find from an Australian

parent's point of view. I didn't just want to read how things were done in

America or about all the medical jargon and doctors opinions- I wanted to

know how it felt, what I was going to be going through. I know each case

is different but I just wanted an idea from someone who had been

through it here.

I also wanted to get through to parents who may be going through this

that the medical profession do not always have it right. They do not

always know the exact outcome. I understand they need to give the worst

case scenario and go by what cases they have seen but if we had listened

that day then you wouldn't be here today. As a parent you have to trust

your heart, go with your feelings no matter how hard it gets at times.

Finally Mia, I wanted you to have the story of your first 18 months

documented - sure I have kept a journal but this is a dedication to you.

Again, we don't know what the future will hold - no body does. But we

have a beautiful new baby daughter and the very thought of her is

enough for us.

Your father, sisters and I are so proud of you and love you so much.

Keep fighting little possum!

Mum

Xxx