Another brilliant piece from a GUNNAS WRITING MASTERCLASS WRITER
The wall wobbled as I steadied myself. Arms out like a flailing surfer, I stepped forward and waddled my way to the green chair.
“Keep going Nicki!” Cheered my squad of supporters that made up of both sets of grandparents, Mum and Dad. On this particular day, Granny and Pop had come over to give Mum and Dad a hand.
I was almost there, yet so far from reaching my destination. Mum instinctively reached out to guide my hand. No, don’t help her Leanne! She’ll never learn that way.” Dad snapped.
“I just want her to make it, Dennis. She’s so close.” Mum’s desperate frustration rang through. This was a big moment for her. For all the family. Looking back now, I can only imagine how devastating it was for my parents to be told, at the age of 19, that their first born daughter (first grand daughter for both sides of the family) would be unlikely to walk or talk independently. Who would be medicated on anti epileptic medication for the rest of her life.
“Keep going Nicko!” Pop yelled enthusiastically. One more lurch forward and I grabbed onto the chair for dear life. My body sagged with pure relief. I made it. I could breathe again.
“Yeahhhh!” Everyone cheered. It was though I had just ran a marathon. I didn’t quite understand why this moment was so emotional, but I’d take it. I could do no wrong. As long as I tried.