Aspinall Eight

It has been a year of suspicion, testing and early therapies. The medical professionals have described Lucas’ cerebral palsy as ‘mild left hemiplegia’. As he is young and still developing, it is still revealing itself and it could be a number of years until we fully understand his abilities, but at the moment we are seeing that it is very mild and we are feeling fortunate.

Lucas will require a range of therapies (like Physio, OT, hydrotherapy, speech pathology) to train how to undertake usual tasks (like walking and talking) which come naturally to able bodied toddlers.

In all honestly - the road ahead sometimes feels huge.  There has been deep guilt and a million “what ifs”. I am grieving that Lucas’ life will look different to his peers and siblings. I am grieving that it cannot be reversed - there is no surgery option - it will always be about him and us putting in continual effort. I am grieving the time that weekly appointments will take me away from time spent with my other young children, and my work. I am grieving that this is a burden he will carry for his life, and I pray that he will meet kind and inclusive friends who love him for him and see his ability, grit and determination, rather than his limitations. 

The great news is, we have a wonderful team of specialists working along side us, a supportive family and friends, will hopefully get access to NDIS shortly and we trust in God’s provision in all of this. Lucas also has the blessing of Sienna, Hendrik and Giselle who I am sure, together, will be the loudest cheer squad of all!

(* Cerebral Palsy or “CP” refers to a range of disorders relating to movement, muscle tone and posture. It is permanent and lifelong, but is not degenerative (does not worsen over time). CP can look different for different people - ranging from a person walking with a limp, to being non-verbal, with intellectual disability, requiring a wheelchair and assistance feeding. There is no cure but therapies, early interventions and aids can do wonders to enable a child to live their best life possible.)