Music to my ears

After another early start and chaotic trip into the city for yet another paediatric appointment we enter the specialist suites, which seem somewhat quiet. Usually we would be greeted by a mind numbing line to the reception desk. Not today though....hmmmmm...interesting! This could be our lucky day of getting in swiftly and able to make our way home just as swiftly. Then we turn the corner and it's literally music to my ears!

 A volunteer is sitting with all the parents and children as they are absorbed in his voice and guitar. How one man can provide so much joy and peace to so many families who reluctantly have made the trip to the hospital...waiting...for yet another consultation. It honestly is enough to bring me to tears.

  “After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.”
― Aldous Huxley

 So what is it that certain people possess to leave such a lasting impression on others? What is it that really allows someone to connect with another human being? Yes people can be pleasant and nice and helpful and kind but what is it which actually reaches through to the core of yourself? Well the past couple of months have been somewhat busy, with organised chaos, meeting after meeting, phone call after email after presentation to strangers. However it turns out that these strangers who are crossing my path have become somewhat involved in my passion and vision and mission in life. So it seems that people WILL turn up in your life when you least expect it and connect with you...to the core.

 Whilst walking through a local shopping centre, with everyday local people I was in my usual daydream, with a testing five year old, whilst pushing a pram, wondering how long I will have until Ruby decides enough is enough and to get the hell out of that place....and in the process letting all know her intentions! We stop for a moment when a gentleman starts waving and talking to Ruby. I can then see the alteration in his facial expression when he realises Ruby isn't as responsive as he expected. He moved closer, still mesmerised with Ruby. He then says out loud, whilst still focused on Ruby and her big eyes "i'd give anything to trade places with her". He had a tear in his eye as he then looked up at me. I smiled and nodded with appreciation, and he then slowly walked on by, still fixated on Ruby's angelic, innocent face. This gentleman was obviously touched to the core by a little stranger named Ruby.

 Lyrics have always been a comfort to me and resonate so many moments in my life. In the spirit of this post the following have reached out to me and made me realise a few home truths.

You've carried on so long,
You couldn't stop if you tried it.
You've built your wall so high That no one could climb it,
But I'm gonna try.
Would you let me see beneath your beautiful?
Would you let me see beneath your perfect?
Take it off now, girl, take it off now, girl I wanna see inside
Would you let me see beneath your beautiful tonight?

 For so long I have sheltered myself and my beliefs and all which is important to me...because I listen to people too much! I have always worried about what others think, what's right and wrong. However have come to ask myself what makes something right and wrong? If it is not doing harm to anyone then why should you be afraid to express yourself and all you value and live for? I too can hold valuable views and ideas.

 I have learnt that when you make room for the good in your life and what you're passionate about then things start to happen. You meet the people to help you on your journey, you start to see that things will be okay as long as you do what you are passionate about, you learn and become more confident to surround yourself with likeminded people who only strengthen and inspire you. These are the people who leave an impression in some way or another, who leave a yearning for more, who encourage you to embrace your vision and ultimately these people strike straight through to your core.

 “Look around you. Everything changes. Everything on this earth is in a continuous state of evolving, refining, improving, adapting, enhancing…changing. You were not put on this earth to remain stagnant.”
 ― Steve Maraboli

Take a leap of faith, hold on to that hope, vision and mission and you will most certainly be guided by the melody of your life. xx

Hummingbirds Early Intervention and Education Service

Well....four months after having a 'bright idea' it seems to have come to fruition! Hummingbirds Early Intervention and Education Service is up and running. We opened our doors to local families this week and already have two days a week full and the others filling up swiftly. Some families are travelling up to an hour to access our service.

To be honest I can't quite believe that it has happened! What was once a distant dream has now become a reality! Hummingbirds would not have happened without the hard work, dedication, vision and dream of my colleague and Co-Director Leanne Southon. In addition to Leanne I would like to acknowledge Rebecca Kent who has shown nothing but support, expert knowledge and again a dream to give more to our dear angels who face a few extra challenges than most. We will endeavour to keep you updated with developments and are currently working toward our next centre....which will have a very unique ambience and vibe to it.......to be continued!

 THANK YOU TO ALL who have shared in this journey, offering support, guidance, advice, coffee....coffee....late nights, loooooong days, child minding, furniture and equipment donations, dedication and just lots of love!

 Here are a few pics of Hummingbirds, Redland Bay, QLD. xx