Sometimes I think about the mum I was when Isla was first diagnosed.
The mum sitting in appointments trying to understand words she had never heard before.
The mum desperately searching the internet for answers.
The mum who was scared of what the future might look like.
The mum who felt completely overwhelmed.
If I could go back and speak to her now, I know exactly what I would say.
I would tell her that it’s okay to be scared.
I would tell her that she doesn’t need to have all the answers.
I would tell her that some days will be harder than she ever imagined, but some days will be more beautiful than she could ever dream.
I would tell her that Isla will achieve things people said might never happen.
I would tell her that one day she will watch Isla proudly walk holding one hand.
I would tell her that the little girl she worries so much about will become the strongest person she knows.
I would tell her that she will meet people who understand, support and encourage her when she needs it most.
Most importantly, I would tell her not to spend so much time worrying about tomorrow.
Because while she is worrying about the future, she is missing some of the magic happening right in front of her.
The smiles.
The laughter.
The cuddles.
The little victories.
The moments that make everything worthwhile.
This journey isn’t the one I imagined when I became a mum.
But it has taught me more about love, strength and resilience than I ever thought possible.
And if I could go back and speak to that frightened mum sitting in those appointments all those years ago, I would simply say:
“You’re going to be okay.
And so is Isla.”
Chloe x
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