(For anyone new here, here is my first post from 8 years ago: https://oliveandherstory.blogspot.com/2012/07/so-miss-olive-is-3-months-now.html?m=0)
You see, as time passes, it can be easy to get complacent. We have it pretty easy with Olive now, in regards to her nevus. But, as overwhelmingly emotional as it was, I never want to forget how I felt the day we welcomed her into the world. That day, and the early ones to follow, shaped not only our journey with her - but a new path of my own that I am so grateful to that little girl for. When I read my posts from that time 8 years ago, the emotions come flooding back.
Our early days with Olive were marked with hospitals, doctors and a decent level of fear. But they were also surrounded with an enormous amount of love, protectiveness and acceptance.
That tiny (ok, at 8lb15oz she wasn't that tiny!) little person brought forth the absolute best of people, friendships and support, and in a small minority, the worst of humans. Just by being born the way she was. Just by being her.
Today she is no different really. Except my level of involvement in her social interactions regarding her nevus has receded. She holds her own now. She educates her peers, she takes control of a situation and for the most part, steers these interactions in the direction she wants them to go. Which is the direction we always hoped and wished for, and strived to teach her - acceptance. Olive's nevus is just a part of her. It does not define her but is part of what makes her her.
It is now 2 days post birthday for Olive. We are currently in the midst of Level 4 Alert lockdown due to the Covid 19 pandemic. We are not allowed to leave our homes other than for essentials. When the lockdown was announced, i realised Olive's birthday was in that period. My heart ached for her. You see, this wee girl has been planning her birthday party for the last 2-3 months. She's been writing lists, making games, creating invitations. She had her heart set on a party and although I don't do them every year, I agreed once I saw her dedication. As I explained the situation, watching her little eyes well up and her lip quivering as she tried to be brave, my heart sank for her.
"That's ok Mummy, I know it's for the best."
An 8 year old understood and accepted it better than half the douchebag adults out there who haven't taken the rules seriously.
MY 8 year old. Her reaction made me so proud. Although Eddie and I are no longer together, we have built these kids up to be some of the most accepting, compassionate and selfless humans I know. That's definitely got to be one of my greatest achievements in life ❤
So instead, Eddie came over and we had cake and party food, minimal presents, video calls galore, and freedom to spend the day her way. And as a tucked her into bed that night and asked if she had had a good day, she nuzzled down with her blankie, grinned and said, "Mummy, it was the best birthday. I loved it. Thank you!"
And my heart was full once again. X
