1 year + 116 days

Posted on: 22/07/2015

I'm really not sure where the time has gone these past few weeks. The end of term was upon us before we knew it. Ava has had a tough year, having lost some of her mobility, but we are ever thankful for the fact that she has still been able to attend school every day and be with her friends. This has been crucial to her motivation and morale and it has had a really positive effect on her. It is thanks to our wonderful headmistress Lucy Elphinstone that Ava is being allowed this chance of a normal childhood and thanks to fantastic teachers Helen Poyer and Katherine Francis that Ava has remained engaged and enthusiastic about school. Since school finished Ava has gone straight into her intensive rehab programme. It is focussing on stabilising her balance, re-training her walking pattern and strengthening her lower limbs. She is particularly enjoying her daily walk on the treadmill and trying out various mobility aids including a walking frame and pair of sticks. These will be the first step towards her regaining her independence and so far she is unfazed by any sense of stigma that may be attached to them. I hope she remains as unconcerned by them once they come out of the therapy suite and into everyday life.  So we find ourselves having another summer holiday at home, because of Ava's therapy, however the girls are not complaining and are instead using their imagination to act out various travels and camping trips with their treasured American Girl dolls. This was inspired by the arrival of a new doll 'Julie' and brilliant triple bunk bed, all courtesy of our lovely friends the Aaron family. They only recently heard about Ava's MLD and wanted to give the girls a treat for being so brave over these past 18 months since our journey through Ava's treatment began. It was wonderful to catch up with them and particularly thoughtful of them to treat both girls equally with these fantastic gifts. Angelina felt very special and included and Ava was beyond thrilled. Thank you so much Simon, Antonia, Georgia & Blake xxx Artwork by Angelina :)