#20

24 Aug #20

Today is my little man’s 4th birthday.

The question I am most often asked by comforters and supporters is “how are you coping?” Such a simple and genuine question but the most complex, even impossible, to answer accurately. All members of my family, and our dear friends, are on their own journeys of grief. I am not on my own and their journeys are as difficult for them as mine is for me. For me, I answer that I am focusing and functioning. Faking it till I make it in other words. I am focusing on supporting Hayden and Tyson with their every day childhood as well as whatever emotional indicators they express. I feel I have leaned on Gavin much more than he has on me but try to ensure that he knows I know that he is suffering too and I am there. On the surface, I am functioning by actively participating in work, exercise, regular responsibilities, family relationships and friendships. Under the surface is where the complexities linger. I’ve realised that yes time goes on but that the love you feel for your children that fills your heart is forever. It exists as long as you live, not as long as they do.

On a brighter note, I thought I would let everyone know what’s been happening in Unlock the Lachs world. After seeking advice from many consultants and referred sources, an Incorporated Association is the chosen entity. On the board we have me, Gavin, Marie & Michael Downey, Ellena Lovekin, Clare Downey, Tracey Jackson, Nicholle DiBella, Rowena Ferns, Kirsty Christian and including a consulting role by Lucia Taylor. We are in the fortunate position that we have so many people that have and will play a role in paying Lachy’s love forward. Thank you to these people from the bottom of my heart for all of your support yesterday, today and tomorrow xx

We have chosen to align our major fundraising event with the Make a Wish Foundation. We believe Make a Wish brings joy and a relief from stress to the whole family that is going through extremely difficult times. Stay tuned for what the inaugural major Unlock the Lachs event will be.

We are proud to announce that in the last couple of months, Lachy’s legacy has already gained momentum. Firstly, we have an ambassador in the local running community. Dominic Tonner, an extremely talented runner with enormous potential has honoured us by happily accepting our invitation to wear the Unlock the Lachs logo. Dominic recently won, for his age group, the Dash for Cash. Thank you Dominic.

Also, we have bequeathed a Hi-Lo Leckey Chair and frame (worth approximately $10,000) to a family in Cairns. This chair provides the opportunity for the child to be properly supported and engage socially with the rest of the family. It was a wonderful family lifestyle piece of equipment we were fortunate enough to receive from Suncorp Brighter Futures and made an immense positive difference to our family social dynamics.

But wait. There’s more! An innovative set of Squiggles rolls and mat has been donated to the CP League which is very helpful, particularly in the first couple of years to provide crucial head support, which will be loaned to local Townsville families and a music stand to St Joseph’s Mundingburra.

Finally, but most importantly, from donations received from the Townsville community, Unlock the Lachs is purchasing a purpose built supportive chair to enable all attending children to participate in the group sessions at Vincent School. One of my wishes for Lachy’s cause is that all the special needs children in the Townsville community that begin their education years at Vincent School will share in Lachy’s spirit through the purchase of important equipment for many years to come. The education staff at the Vincent State School Special Education Unit are absolutely fantastic and genuinely cared for our Lachy and we will always be grateful. More of this type of news to come!

We pray, hope and know that these gifts from the heart will make life easier for all recipients.