There are lots of restrictions for Ivy.

No swimming.

Not too much sun.

Nothing with gluten

or lactose.

No sleepovers and

no getting your ears pierced.

No play centres or crowded places.

Sometimes,  even no preschool.

The reasons are varied and many.

Mostly, it’s due to other people’s fears, that she is not allowed to join in

sometimes mine

but

two days ago

Ivy was given the go ahead

to start ballet.

The little girl has longed to dance since she could stand

and now her dream is going to come true

because one kind teacher said yes

because she can look past the difficulties and can see

that dancing could lift her spirits

and give Ivy the gift of freedom,

a chance to dream

and time to escape.