The Grass Is Not Always Greener.....

OK so my last post about a fridge was a little boring, I'll admit it. Sometimes there's just so much to say I don't know where to start though - and OH says I already spend too much time on the computer so I have to limit myself somehow!!

I've just been in floods of tears whilst watching a programme on BBC3 called 'So What If My Baby Is Born With....'. It's all about Jono Lancaster, who has something called Treacher Collins Syndrome - google him or it if you want to find out more. Basically he has a genetic condition which affected the way his facial bones developed. The programme was all about him and his girlfriend trying to decide whether to have children - i.e. could they be sure the child wouldn't have the same condition and face the same years of bullying and operations etc.

Of course there's a whole lot more to it that that, but the bit I found particularly difficult to watch was when they met with a couple who had a 2 and a half year old girl with this condition, without any history of the gene themselves. They had to change her tubes for breathing and feeding regularly, and whilst to them it had obviously become second nature, I really can't imagine how they cope.

I know there are so many families who have to deal with illnesses in many different ways, whether it's repeated epileptic fits or bone marrow transfers, and of course they are strong for the children because they have to be. Just because they put on a brave face, doesn't necessarily mean they are coping well on the inside. I guess what I'd like to say, is that I hope everyone can be tolerant and understanding of others. Sure we all have (and are entitled to) our up and down times, but there is generally someone worse off than us.

Sasha is a very happy, generous, adventurous, loving and polite little girl - and I could think of a lot more adjectives to go in there! We love her exactly how she is, and as many people say, wouldn't change her for the world. If someone had told us before she was born that she would have autism, would we have been more prepared for the battle ahead? Would we have wanted to face that? It's a very difficult question, and I don't think anyone can answer it without being in that situation. We didn't get the choice, and in a way I'm thankful for that. Do I wish Sasha didn't have autism? Well yes, because I know she is going to face many struggles in her life that others won't - fortunately most of these she has no idea of as yet, but as she grows older they will become more apparent. Partner, work life? Just two big issues a long way in the future.

BUT. If Sasha didn't have autism, then she wouldn't be Sasha. And that's just not right. We have been blessed with 2 gorgeous girls, and for that I am very grateful.

Now someone pass me the tissue box