For Kwanita

Dear Kwanita,

Mummy and daddy took you to Africa in the hope of a good life, not realising the impact this had upon you leaving your secure base. Not only did we move you away, you were already carrying trauma from the traumas mummy and daddy had experienced as children. Unaware, we fought one another as we were taught as children. You gave up in school, you became very angry and mummy and daddy failed to understand you.

You were then diagnosed with dyslexia, dyspraxia and Aspergers. Mummy didn’t believe these labels so I did all I could to learn about the impact of trauma on me. Daddy learnt also and we defied the system. We believed in you as we knew you were in the protective armour you had put around you to survive. Five years later with much love and support, you have and continue to grow into a open, carefree spirited teen. I knew you would, I knew you had that spark of intelligence in you and I’m so very proud of you my darling. Having you has been challenging to my sense of self; Equally I have learned so much from you.

You brighten my world, little one.