Matilda’s Story

As I watch Matilda (who is 13 in a couple of weeks) enjoy her final formal swimming lesson over these summer holidays, I reflect on the past 13yrs she has been a part of our lives.

Matilda is the tallest by double in height than the other children in this swimming class as well as the oldest. I watch the other children look up at her with interest/curiosity but Matilda doesn’t seem to notice, she only notices the boys that aren’t listening to the instructions the teacher has given.

Matilda swims the required distance that is asked of her in the stroke that is asked of her; it is far from perfection in an assessor’s eyes but perfect in mine. This is a child who at 7 months of age was failing to thrive. This was a child who didn’t walk until 2yrs and 2 months, who didn’t speak until 5yrs old or wasn’t toilet trained until then either. This was a child who really didn’t enjoy food at all until she was 11.

This is my beautiful child who has overcome so many obstacles that were at the forefront of my every thought that I now cherish as successes.

I don’t know what the future holds for Matilda or any of my children but I know that it is certainly a lot brighter than in past days of week-long therapy sessions as an infant and a young child wondering if she will ever walk, talk and eat or even being able to participate in social activities and all that society has to offer.

Matilda is a calm, happy, honest and loving child who is nearly a teenager who only sees the best in everything. Yes she will always need guidance and will face struggles along the way but what a way she has come.

Matilda passed her Level 3 Certificate in Swimming, I am so proud of her overcoming her fear of getting her ears wet.

In a few weeks’ time a new journey will begin for Matilda and us as she enters High school!!!! What this space.

Leonie Clements