Caitlyns Story

Well the festive season is over and Caitlyn certainly faired well. Everything from books, touch mat, musical mobile phone etc. I was concerned that being able to purchase a gift for a VI child would be very hard. Yes it is to a degree but one only has to think a little harder and go searching. Caitlyn took all the excitment in her stride and to cap it off I was speaking (on the phone) to her dad on December 28th and heard the explaination - "She stood up by herself" Yes our little darling had stood up unaided, all be in for only a moment but yes she has done it and will obviously be progressing further over the next few months.
Christmas certainly didn't supress her appetite either, with her enjoying everything that was placed on her high chair tray.
I look forward to 2009 with anticipation of the challenges and goals that Caitlyn will achieve.
To all who are following her progress via her website - Happy New Year and let us all enjoy each and every day.
Cheers for now
Mooty

Well, what can i say - Christmas is finished for this year and yet another year is almost over. Counting down to New Years Eve now and 2008!!

The cleanup from christmas is finally finished. Now we just have the headaches of paying for the kids to go back to school.

Today Little Miss Caitlyn got to meet one of my Aunties. She was on her best behaviour for a while but finally gave in and needed some sleep.( all 15 minutes of it) then wanted to party hard again.

Just a quick Hi from Mooty and Poppy's house.

Caitlyn just gave Mooty the biggest smile she has ever seen. They where rubbing noses together and little miss Caitlyn just gave a huge heart felt smile.

Merry Christmas from Mooty and Poppy as well!!!

Well, that time of the year has come around again. Tommorow is Christmas - to remember the life of Christ and the sacrifices he made for us all. Sitting here tonight watching the Vision Australia Carols By Candlelight has made me realise how much support and understanding we have already received from people all around the world. I know it may sound a little unusual but i know that there are people on the other side of the world who may this Christmas just say a little prayer for Caitlyn as well as their own family.

To each of these people we do appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

It has brought home to both my wife and I that we really do have a long road ahead of us over the next 18-20 Years or so. Caitlyn is going to be very reliant upon us for many years to come. It also has made us aware of how many people do care for us all. Caitlyn has been showered with gifts already for Christmas and that is simply leading up to the day.

We do ask that anyone reading this post please remember that there are others out there who need your thoughts at Christmas. Caitlyn is probably one of the lucky ones who is in a family of caring and loving.

Today at work i had the privilege to meet with a lovely young girl who like Caitlyn was born blind. She has a fantastic personality and outlook on life. She doesn't let anything get in her way. The lack of vision certainly hasn't stopped her in any way. Thru the support of friends and family she has put herself through High school and is currently studying at a local University. She is able to receive and send emails using specialised programs that read her emails to her.

In the not too distant future we will be looking at doing some fundraising for Caitlyns future education requirements. We just hope that when the need arrises that people are able to help out. We certainly aren't a well off family. We manage to survive each week comfortably.

Well to sum up - Caitlyn and her family and extended family would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe Christmas.