Clearer Skies Ahead

Miranda Collier was the single mother of a single child. A 16 year old daughter, Hazel. Miranda and Hazel looked very alike but of course, as every person does, had their differences about them. Miranda for instance, being older, was taller standing at 5 foot 8 inches tall while Hazel, who stood at 5 foot, wore glasses with violet frames that covered her plain grey-blue coloured eyes. What both mother and daughter did have in common was their soft, wavy light brown hair.

Hazel wasn't all that you'd expect though. Hazel had a physical condition called Cerebral Palsy, a condition caused by brain damage that affected your muscles. Cerebral palsy come in varying degrees and Hazel was rather mild compared to some of them. In fact, Hazel wasn't even immediately noticable at all. But if you walked really closely behind her, you'd notice a slight limp in her walk and it wasn't visible, but she also had learning difficulties. Because of these learning difficulties, Hazel got aide time at school, and while this was a real benefit to how she did accademic, it was unfortunately, a real detriment to her social life. Because she was different, so clearly pointed out by the fact she had an aide, others exiled her.

So when Miranda discovered a mentoring group for teenagers around Hazel's age through a Cerebral Palsy support organisation that she and Hazel were involved in, Miranda immediately signed her daughter up. Like everyone was at something new, Hazel was a little nervous and unsure at first, but as time went by and the program progressed, Hazel grew to love each session and would look forward eagerly to everyone. Over its 6 month course, mentoring became a huge part of Hazel's life. Not only had Hazel gained an older friend and mentor in the young woman, Kate, with whom she was partnered but a whole new set of friends her own age.

Also as the program progressed, Miranda noticed exceedingly positive changes in her daughter. Her self esteem grew little by little and her confidence soared. At the program's conclusion, although upsetting for Hazel due to how much of a huge part of her life mentoring had become, Miranda was sure that Hazel was happier.

Miranda watched from the local sailing club's function room as Hazel talked and laughed with her large group of new found friends on the private balcony and at this sight, Miranda was sure there would be clearer skies ahead.

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For all the wonderful people- both mentors and the fellow mentees from my mentoring experience. Thanks for all the laughs and the fun. Thanks for such a blast! Friends for life.