My first experience with a newborn was when I was around four years old and I was introduced to my amazing

brother, David.  He had a difficult birth and was subsequently diagnosed with cerebral palsy.  My mum was told to 

take him home and love him but that he would be a cabbage (exact words from specialist).  He was my first living breathing baby and  there could be no room for error!

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I learned patience, empathy and many more traits that would help me in my chosen career as a nanny!  The best was a sense of humour which came in handy many times throughout his life!  Another important lesson was to look beyond the obvious, this incredible human being was going to make a difference in everyone's lives who had the good fortune of meeting him.  He taught himself to use a computer, starting with basic Makaton then to read and spell by himself.  He raised money for charity and attended his local college.  Along the way he met some incredible people who helped him live a normal life as far as his disabilities would allow.

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Unfortunately David passed away in 2018 and only at his funeral did I realize what an impact he not only made on our family but to lots of people of all ages who attended his celebration.  It was a celebration because he brought so much joy to so many!

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I have taken what I learned from him and am now working on writing a course that I can hopefully pass on the knowledge that I gained through insight into the different areas of child development!  Most of what I learned was not in a classroom!