Mal turns 10

Malachy turned ten while we were in the hospital.

Malachy is globally developmentally delayed. He has autistic tendencies.

He handled his hospital party with the style and grace of a child with such issues. He totally ignored the party and played with a helicopter instead!

When he arrived on our doorstep he had two words. ‘Mum’ and ‘No’. He was three. He spent alot of time on the ground, trying to ignore the world. He had an obsession with wheels. The girls were often upset that their doll prams had been tipped on their sides, with wheels furiously spinning.

He was aggressive and angry with everyone. Frustrated that he could not communicate his needs to us.

Such was life with Mal.

Now he is ten.

Mal has been on a huge journey of learning and for us, it has been a journey of the heart.

One of acceptance and love.

He can talk in sentences and follow direction, he has learned to run, jump, ride a scooter. He can sing with the best of them (and holds a mean tune). He interacts with the other children and takes part in everyday life.

Things we were not sure he would ever be able to do, when he first came to live with us, he has achieved with determination.

In our eyes he is an amazing human being.

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Comments

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Xbox4NappyRash (110 comments.) (subscribed) said April 16, 2008, 9:27 am:

An amazing human being?
I’ve no doubt, he is after all learning from a couple of the best.

Great Irish name, and great photo.

A Very Happy Birthday Malachy.
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lceel (109 comments.) said April 16, 2008, 9:35 am:

He is so lucky to be with you, Tiff. And a happy birthday to you, Malachy.
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frogpondsrock (99 comments.) said April 16, 2008, 10:20 am:

Happy birthday Mal. woohoo!!!

xxx Kim
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Sadie (81 comments.) said April 16, 2008, 11:22 am:

Happy Birthday Mal!! What a wonderful journey with such amazing results!!!
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Marylin (104 comments.) said April 16, 2008, 11:23 am:

Such a lucky boy to be a part of your family Happy Birthday Mal!
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Bettina (90 comments.) said April 16, 2008, 11:33 am:

Happy birthday Malachy!!
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Veronica (226 comments.) said April 16, 2008, 2:39 pm:

Happy Birthday Mal!!
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Jayne (124 comments.) said April 16, 2008, 4:07 pm:

Happy Birthday Malachy and welcome to double digits!
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river said April 16, 2008, 5:39 pm:

It’s amazing what can be achieved with a loving family environment. Happy Birthday Mal.
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Tracey (87 comments.) said April 16, 2008, 7:14 pm:

Go Mal! Happy Birthday mate.

Deep breaths, Tiff: only 8 or so more years to go!!
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Jenty (54 comments.) said April 16, 2008, 8:58 pm:

Happy birthday to Mal. He sounds like a lovely boy
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Lilprecious said April 16, 2008, 9:30 pm:

Happy Birthday Mal! Isn’t wonderful and amazing what love and hard work can accomplish? Job well done Tiff - you and Dave and truly WONDERFUL people!!
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Trish (157 comments.) said April 16, 2008, 11:23 pm:

Happy Birthday Mal -
Tiff, Mal, is such a lovely boy and you have done wonders for him encouraging him to achieve his fullest potential. He has accomplished so much because you believed in him and all of the kids have a big heart for him.
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Betsy (85 comments.) said April 17, 2008, 1:10 am:

Happy Birthday to Mal!

You continue to amaze and inspire me, Tiff.
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Liz said April 17, 2008, 2:58 am:

Happy birthday to you, Malachy!

Tiff, you are such a strong and amazing woman with a huge heart, you see the potential and goodness in everyone. You have made such a difference for Mal, you were there when he needed someone to care for him. Cheers to you (and Dave) for stepping up and being his guardian angel.

Much love to you and all the family!