It was simply just fun

A few weeks ago I blogged about a situation we had found ourselves in where we needed help.
It was quite a dark time and we needed to hunker down and huddle together as a family. We brainstormed ideas, talked to specialists and devised a strategy. We even put together a mind map. Pretty eh!

A few weeks later, after multiple reaches out for help and receiving it, we are in a better place. We have made progress.


The signal of the better place came on Friday.
It did not come handed to us on a plate, we had to fight for it, but the gift came.
Through the local authorities we had uncovered a group where teens with difficulties come together. The idea is that cool kids hang out on Friday nights, so why can't kids with difficulties do the same.
Its a group of about 10 kids with a range of challenges, some more extreme than others, but they have one big thing in common. Somehow they don't fit the mold.


They come together and decide what they are going to do, be it bake, go the movies, play sports etc. and in a structured way and with supervision. It's actually a pretty cool agenda.


After coaxing my daughter to attend for a second time, she went along. She really enjoyed the first meeting, but somehow got cold feet as the days passed. So with a bit of gentle persuasion she agreed to try it again. Deep down in my heart of hearts, I wanted this group to work. My gut told me that she would fit in and be loved for who she is. The kids would see in her what we do. A kind, gentle little girl who just needs a safe circle of buddies. A wonderful and fun little girl who likes to joke and laugh but often doesn't find the smile.


As she walked in, the group beamed from ear to ear. Hi Lili one boy shouted, come sit here Lili said the other. Immediately they made space for her at the table and handed her the pens so she could join in the activity. She fit in. She was included.


Three hours later she was collected and was overflowing with excitement. She had loved it.
When I asked her what she loved about it, she said. "It was simply just fun"


And therin lay the magic!