Princess Erin Rose
Today was always going to be emotional. I am not sure what you have done to me, you have this innate ability to reduce me to tears. I’m not sure if its because you are the youngest, my last baby or because of the battles you have faced with health. You were up early for you today Erin, and keen to get to nursery for ‘your last day’. I don’t think you really comprehend ‘last day’ In your excitable four year olds head last day seem to mean until after our holiday. You know you are starting school and you are so excited but I don’t think you realise one door is shutting behind whilst a new door opens.
As I dropped you off, Julie said goodbye to me as she was only working part of the day and those words bought the emotions to the front and I shed a tear. I didn’t expect to cry dropping you off!
It’s just that you have been through so much already. More than most. Your hip was broken and it has held you back, but you have also been diagnosed with asthma, had grommets fitted, and diagnosed with hypermobility. You wear orthotics and still get more tired than most. Yet nursery has been with us every step of the way. I have sat and cried to the staff after hospital appointments when it all got too much. You stopped going to nursery whilst we battled the spica cast but we visited and they certainly helped you on the road to recovery. The wonderful staff were as shocked as me when you were diagnosed with DDH. Although you were so late to walk no one realised just what lay ahead for you.
Since being back you made firm friends and let nothing stop you. Your bravery and determination is admirable. Your friends have been amazing and they all support you in a way only children do. At soft play you try to keep up and yell at them to help you. I have watched them climb higher higher and then turn around and pull you up – or the person behind give you a helping push! They help and don’t even think about it.
Today I arrived to pick you up and as you greeted me you were shrieking about your last day. Liz grabbed you to give you a cuddle and her eyes filled. I warned her to stop but she didn’t and that started me off! There were others I didn’t get to say goodbye too, those that you love like Bronte and Emily but they know and we popped some treats into the staff room to share our thanks.
As we left Kim whispered that you were amazing as I thanked her through my tears. And Erin, you are amazing. Each member of staff has helped shape you, each has supported you and we have been lucky. The road hasn’t always been easy but I know that you have always been happy and safe at nursery. Now the next door opens and you are heading towards full-time education. You will be fine, you will be awesome and whatever happens with the ddh we will continue to take on full on.
Lots of love Mummy xx
