As I am writing this blog my daughter is writing invitations for her 21st birthday...
As I am writing this blog my daughter is writing invitations for her 21st birthday. In just over two months we will be celebrating a very special family occasion and I will still be wondering where the last 21 years have gone!
My wife and I have two children. In the past few months our 22 year old son started his first full time job, moved out of home and graduated from University. Things are a little quieter at home and the food bill has reduced! Our daughter is still living at home, also working full time, and studying part time. She still makes sure that the noise levels and bills aren’t too low!
As parents, it’s one of life’s greatest pleasures to see your children take these important steps in establishing their adult lives. As I said, it doesn’t seem so long ago that they were babies.
I vividly remember when our son was born. We had confidence in the doctors and midwives and trusted their advice. After a few days we were on our own. Suddenly we needed to find our own confidence as parents and trust our own judgment as we began life with our new baby son.
Things were a little different when our daughter was born. We had a little more experience and confidence as parents and knew what to expect. Well so we thought. I still recall the first few hours of my daughter’s life. She commanded attention – in a good way. Some things haven’t changed!
When I walk past the entrance of the Mater Mothers’ Hospital and see parents taking home their new baby I can’t help but think back. I recognise the uncertainty of new parents, the extra care taken in securing baby in the car, and, most importantly, the unconditional love that will continue to grow.
As these parents leave Mater they are leaving the security and support they have had around them for days since their baby’s birth. The trust and confidence they have placed in Mater’s people and care has now moved squarely onto their shoulders. I can see that realisation as I watch them leave and each time wish them all well.
I am also very aware that this is not the experience for all parents. Some experience heartbreaking challenges as babies arrive early, or face major health challenges before or after they are born. And sadly, there are not happy endings for every family.
Knowing this also reinforces to me just how important your support of Mater is to so many people. The thousands of families who are cared for by Mater each year. Our health care teams, our researchers, our volunteers. On their behalf, I say thank you for the confidence and trust which you give and enable.
Today, around twenty five families would have left the Mater with their new born babies. I am sure that there are all manner of hopes, joys, challenges and sadness that lie ahead of them. With your help, Mater has given them the best possible start in life.
And I hope that in twenty one years from now there are some wonderful birthday celebrations. Just like the one we are preparing for now. Happy birthday sweetheart!
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27, January 2012