3 Years Today

So today marks 3 years since I met Tom. I can honestly say that these have been 3 years of the best years of my life. Tom has given me so much in life, he makes each and every day a pleasure and I wanted to reflect on the past 1095 days.

I first met Tom back in July 2016 before officially starting with him in the August. I remember our first meeting as Tom slept the whole way through it but somehow I still adored his charm. I was totally and utterly captivated with him. Tom has an energy that I feel from my beautiful niece, Sophie, and it was feeling this that I knew that was the right move to make in my life.

When I started as Tom's 'carer' I was so overwhelmed. I was worried if Tom would like me, would we click? It seems strange to say it as often children with special needs rarely get a choice of who they want around them, but Tom did and I was worried he may say no to me! Thankfully he didn't, our friendship went from strength to strength and once we trusted each other we were able to start building our memories.

We have had so many laughs. I aways remember teasing Tom about a waitress that he was flirting with in a restaurant and Tom got so angry with me. He totally lost it with me and I had a days worth of grovelling to make up for it. Thankfully Tom didn't hold a grudge for too long! I love seeing how Tom is able to tell you he is annoyed with you, or happy with you. Seeing Tom smile if one of the most precious things anyone could ever see.

Seeing Tom learn and grow is such a beautiful thing. Since my niece, Sophie was born and I saw that there was a whole different world out their I knew that I wanted to be part of that world. I needed to make sure that others like Sophie had the best quality of care possible. I think Tom and I have such a great friendship and his care needs just come along with it. I have always loved what I do but with Tom something feels different, this doesn't feel like a job to me, it is my whole life. I couldn't ever imagine doing anything else with anyone else.

I want to change the world one small step at a time with Tom. Slowly we are making teeny changes to little things and its such a lovely thing to see. For example we have been in contact with Winchester science centre after a Christmas visit left a lot of gaps for those with complex needs. After a phone call and a few emails they had made huge changes to how their events are held with those who are reliant on their wheelchairs in mind. This is now a place Tom and any of his friends can visit with ease and knowing that they will be able to have fun.

The eye gaze has got to be one of the biggest achievement over the past 3 years. Tom has flown past all expectations. He is able to do so much with his eye gaze. Through hard work and dedication he has managed to start to communicate in a way we are able to clearly understand. Tom has also gained so much independence through the eye gaze and as he grows older this is a really valuable thing.

Over the past 3 years I have been lucky enough to travel to parts of the world with Tom. Tom is the best travel companion, he is chilled out, calm and always knows when it's time to put on his party pants. My favourite time was in Disneyland Paris a few years back when Tom met Mickey and he was completely taken with Tom. Tom just watched Mickey so intently and it was like watching someone meeting their childhood idle. I can't wait to make more memories with you Tom.

So 3 years down and the passion and drive just keeps getting stronger. I can't believe how one little boy has changed my life so much. Let's see what the fun the future holds.

Dear Tom, my heart is so full and that is all down to you.

1095 days down...Forever to go...