Terry, Tiara & Tessa - A Bright Future ahead thanks to your love & support!
23 July 2018
To the Torbay community, surrounding communities, Staff at Torbay School and After School Fun Club and all my friends and any heroes I've left out.
Terry, Tiara & Tessa have had to deal with alot of changes in their lives in the past couple of weeks.
From the moment Terry called me for help at midnight after his dad's massive heart attack, I have hugged them tight and held them close. I made room for them in my home and ensured they felt safe and loved when they needed someone to do just that. These kids, and their dad, have held a special place in my heart for the past 4 years since Mum passed, so taking them in was as natural as breathing. I settled them into my home, sorting out their dad's affairs and ensuring all their treasured possessions made their way into a big play room at their new home. Family decided, at this point, that the kids would stay with me until Christmas so they could finish out their school year and remain as settled as possible with the support of their friends, teachers and their incredible community.
In the last few days some major changes have happened. The family of the children's mother have decided to have them live with them in West Auckland, immediately. Although I had not anticipated this to happen so soon and I am deeply saddened, I respect the family's decision.
The Torbay community will miss you all and you will always hold a special place in our hearts. Terry, Tiara & Tessa will always be 'Bays' kids! They'll definitely visit me and their friends for holidays.
I would like to say a special, HUGE thank you to the Torbay community who have all banded together to help these kids. We feel very privileged to live in this place.
EVERYTHING which has been so generously donated will go with the children to their new home. All of the generous donations on the Givealittle fundraising page have been placed in a trust account for the children to give them security and hope for their futures.
The overwhelming offers of help have been so much appreciated. The kids and I were so grateful for all of the meals the staff at Torbay school have made for us.
One evening at the dinner table, trying to distract them from their pain, I said "Gosh these dinners are so good - Your teachers should be on Master Chef!" And so the voting of 'Top Chef' began - a little light at the end of each tough day.
Thank you so much again to everyone who has donated - all of your donations have given Terry, Tiara & Tessa faith that there is a bright future ahead for them and the knowledge of what a wonderful community Torbay is will stay with them forever.
With all the love in my heart, I thank you for reminding me about what community really is, and showing your true, beautiful colours when tragedy struck.
Please keep these precious kids in your prayers as they adjust to the next chapter of their lives.
Much love, Sandie
