2010 Update on Will's Progress

It is time for our annual update on our grandson Will, who many of you will have read about on these pages.
        It's hard to believe that Will turns 9 this May. It only seems like yesterday that I stood beside him in his mother's arms when he was a few minutes old - so strong and healthy. Within three short weeks, he contracted meningitis in the hospital leaving him with 80% brain damage. He cannot walk, talk or see but thankfully still has good hearing allowing him to enjoy music and other wonderful sounds and communicate with us in his own special way.
        In order to accommodate his special needs his family moves around frequently and have now returned to Gemtree. We are pleased to have Kate and Aaron back with us once again and look forward to stepping back a little to allow some younger energy take over!

         Will's two brothers Tom and Mac are a delight and both love the outdoor life that Gemtree offers. Will and Tom are enrolled in the School of the Air this year. Kate will teach Tom preschool and one of our staff members from last year, Jackie, will be supervising Will with a special needs program. No doubt Mac - at 18months - will be everywhere at once!

        Through the amazing generosity of visitors to our caravan park in our first year at Gemtree and the added generosity of a small group of dedicated and caring folk from NE NSW, we were given a beautiful little golf cart allowing Will to move about the caravan park and enjoy the sounds of the birds and the wind in his face. His rides give him great excitement and pleasure as he claps his hands in glee. We called this project "Wheels for Will" - collecting donations for assistance in changing tyres or making minor repairs to guests vehicles and it has made one small boy very happy indeed, giving him a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. He can now share these moments with Tom and Mac.