When people meet Isla, they often have questions.
Some ask about her diagnosis.
Some ask about appointments.
Some ask what she can and can’t do.
And that’s okay.
But if I’m honest, there are other questions I wish people would ask too.
I wish people would ask what makes her laugh.
I wish they would ask about her favourite songs.
I wish they would ask about the cheeky smile she gives when she knows she’s getting away with something.
I wish they would ask about how much she loves being around her little sister Violet and baby brother Arthur.
I wish they would ask about her personality before her diagnosis.
Because Isla is so much more than a list of medical terms.
She is funny.
She is loving.
She is determined.
She is brave.
She is stubborn when she wants to be.
She is a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter and a friend.
Her diagnosis is part of her story, but it isn’t the whole story.
One of the reasons I started this blog was to help people see beyond the diagnoses.
To see the child first.
The personality first.
The smile first.
The little victories first.
Because behind every diagnosis is a person with hopes, dreams, likes, dislikes and a unique personality all of their own.
And if there is one thing I hope people take away from Isla’s journey, it’s this:
Don’t just ask about the diagnosis.
Ask about the child.
You might be surprised by what you discover.
Chloe x
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