02/04/2022
Hello everyone - Sarah here, Abi's mum. I hope you are all well and enjoying some spring sunshine!
Just a quick / quite long update, it has been a mind bending few months and once again I am in total awe of my girl.
We started this page for Abi to connect with people and share her love of sewing and dogs. We were looking at contributing to a place of her own in the garden but guess what... the more we looked into it, the clearer it became that this is not what Abi wants. She wants to make her own way in the world, to learn the skills she needs to live as independently as possible and to leave home (gulp).
As her mum I can't tell you how scary this feels but I am doing my very best to listen well, to separate my needs from hers and to do all I can to make her dreams a reality. I am not doing this on my own as every single member of her family and wider circle of support has worked their socks off.
So... the last three months have consisted of finding specialist professionals, endless assessments, discussions with statutory services, legal advice and visits to colleges that may be able to support Abi to develop her independent living skills. I'd love to say that our Local Authority has funded this process but actually, you guys did some of that! It has cost thousands and we still don't have a final decision. Abi is hoping very much to attend Derwen College in September and to begin her journey towards independence. I am a nervous wreck but if she has the courage for this then I have match her!
Check out Abi's dreams - not so different from anyone else's - but more importantly check out that smile, the smile of a young woman that is being listened to and has optimism for her own, self determined, future.
Thank you all so much - we promise to have some new spring stock in the Red Lion, Hopwas by Easter weekend. With love to you and yours, Sarah x