Kia ora, this Antonio’s Mum here and omg, it’s the last day of 2020 today.
Been a really out-of-it last two months for us. An overwhelming experience. I’ve been quietly thinking about how to put into words my thoughts for those of you who have given kindly to my youngest child, Antonio’s Givealittle page, and given privately or personally to me. I want to thank you sincerely, respectfully and humbly for your words of support and your generous donations.
During this time my energy has been focussed on the present moment, and being there for Antonio. He has responded bravely, and with incredible determination for a little boy, to all of his surgeries and more recently the exhausting, daily radiotherapy treatment. He lost weight and has had ongoing difficulty with loss of appetite. He was recently fitted by nose, with a feeding tube to support his digestion system and help him gain weight. Antonio found this to be the most difficult procedure for him so far.
On top of keeping up with his demanding daily treatment schedule, as a whānau we have discovered peace and harmony in simple day-to-day routines of pottering around our room, cooking and cleaning and domestic chores. We are devoted to Antonio’s care and comfort. Whenever possible we take him out visiting whānau, for day trips to Mission Bay, Butterfly Creek Family Fun Park, the Auckland Museum Lego Exhibition and most recently Timezone in Botany Downs.
For those of you who are familiar with Ben and Jono, hosts of The Hits Breakfast Show in Auckland, they chose Antonio as a surprise guest on their radio show in early December. Antonio was invited to an interview with Santa by Zoom, then Jono and Ben dressed as Santa’s elves, visited Antonio personally in his room at Ronald MacDonald House. He felt like an extra special kid afterwards. All he really wants though, as he often says to us, “I just want to be ‘normal’ again, eh Mum.”
I am naturally a very private person and keep things close to my chest. This event has forced me to open up and expand, to embrace a new way to be. A cultural practice of spiritual awareness and wellbeing using the Tuākiri model, has laid the foundation for me and my whānau to respond to this situation. Once again to all of you who gave unconditionally to Antonio’s Givealittle page and privately or personally to me, our whānau are forever grateful. Our pain is softened by your pure expression of compassion.
“Na tō arohanoa i nanihia ai au”
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa 💜
