The day my son Nicholas was born was one of the happiest days of my life. I was 37 years old and had wanted a child of my own ever since I was young. Fate had it that I was to find the love of my life, my husband, later on in life. I have often thought this was God gracing me with free time before Nicholas’ needs took up a great deal of my time.
But getting back to that day - family and friends were holding back their tears. Was I in shock and didn’t notice that my son had low muscle tone, an imperforated anus and possibly brain damage? No, I wasn’t. Like I said before it was one of the happiest days of my life. Your child is your child, and love doesn’t come in different sizes depending on one's abilities or disabilities. Nicholas was just going to have to go through some tough times and I would be right there with him. Well he did have to go through some tough times, but we made it.
My first experience with requesting help from Variety was back in 2003 when it became evident that we would need an exterior elevator to get my son’s wheelchair up to the second floor of our house. I diligently filled out the applications and was granted quite a large amount of money towards this elevator. That’s when the tears happened for me, when you realize that Variety understands and is there to help people like me and my family. There are few others out there that can help a family in need and I am forever grateful.
Since my first request I have asked Variety for assistance for an enclosed bed and a specialized bicycle for Nicholas. I know there are others out there who need help so I try to be sensitive with my requests.
Variety is funded by the generosity of some wonderful British Columbians. I would like to thank all of you who have contributed to Variety. My son’s life and my life would truly be much harder without the kindness you have shown us.
Variety – The Children’s Charity is a wonderful charity that directly effects and improves the lives of those families of special needs children in British Columbia.
