ABOUT ME

Hi, I'm Trudie Paton, mostly referred to as "Lucy's Mum".

I'm smiling here, and I try to daily, always reminding myself that even on the tough days, there is sunshine around the ahead.

I'm a mother to Ty, aged 12, and Lucy Pearl, aged 16.

I'm a Mother and Carer who has changed my career numerous times to cater for the needs of my family.

I loved being a PE teacher and feeling like I made a difference, but gave up this career for my family. I couldn't cope with the politics at school, and also couldn't devote the time needed for my HSC kids and also Lucy's needs. I don't do life half-arsed. I give everything my very best and, if I can't do that, then I don't do it at all. I miss it dearly, and it feels like a loss of my identity in a way.

I have been thinking about a blog for some time. I'm part of a few facebook groups for kids with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, stroke sufferers and developmental delays. I often offer support and advice and feel I can make a difference, particularly for parents at the start of the journey.

When Lucy Pearl suffered a massive stroke at birth, it was very traumatic, and to be honest, there was little support. I hope I can help to bridge that gap for other parents facing the same challenges that I have.

Big Love, Trudie x

2STEPS 4WARD

AN INTRODUCTION -

the story behind the name

Lucy Pearl suffered a stroke during her complicated birth in 2008. Lucy suffered an acquired brain injury (bilateral cerebral corticol infarcts - multiple strokes in both the left and right hemispheres of the brain). Lucy is diagnosed with cerebral palsy (left hemiplegia), epilepsy, global developmental delays, sensory processing disorder, severe auditory comprehension (receptive language) and severe expressive language disorder, moderate speech sound disorder, anxiety and behaviour problems, and visual problems (left hemianopia, variable squint, left refractive error, left esotropia, right exotropia), all as a result of her acquired brain injury.

Despite a very grim prognosis, Lucy Pearl has received therapy since birth, and achieves “the little things” we all take for granted, daily. Lucy Pearl achieves life’s wonders at her own pace and, in her own time. She is full of spunk, sass, and has a wicked sense of humour.

Lucy first walked three weeks before her second birthday. Lot’s of therapy, and many tears and heartache led to this amazing moment. Lucy stood up by pulling up on the lounge and took two steps forward, then fell back down. Then next time she stood up, and she took seventeen steps!! Hence the story of 2steps4ward…. We always do our very best to focus on the positives! It is never a case of the saying “two steps forward, three back”. We always, every day. look forward.....

We choose to move in a forward momentum, looking on the bright side of life and appreciating all the little things.

Our logo

The logo represents and means so much...

The heart-hands represent the love of family and the support of our close friends whom we rely so heavily on...

The butterfly within reminds us of the journey of the monarch butterfly which travels great distances and faces much adversity along the way...

The arrow pointing forwards reminds us to always be positive, to look ahead, not too far, but to take small steps and notice the little things many take for granted...

The feather represents beauty and strength, two characteristics innate in Lucy Pearl...

Yellow is Lucy's favourite colour, and exudes light and happiness just like she does...

and aqua is calming, and also Ty’s favourite colour, the brave little boy who tries hard every day to be a great brother to Lucy.

A yellow feather is also connected with the sun’s energy and is related with the gut Instinct, something important as a Mother