“It won’t be for long, I promise you. We will work on our situation, and you will be back with us very soon”. As the saying goes famous last words. Your parents’ promises on the day of your admission to Durbanville Children’s Home echo in my mind as I write this, reflecting on your journey.
Eight years later – and you are still here. Eight years in which you have overcome huge challenges; eight years in which you have watched your family fall apart and the downward spiral continues. Eight years in which your parent’s substance abuse, unemployment, domestic violence and at times homelessness meant that reunification was never an option. Their situation never improved. You watched your siblings making similar choices and their lives taking a similar path. However, you decided that no matter what, you would persevere and make a success of your life!
You did it! You are an overcomer, a brave survivor. As you stand on the brink of writing your matric exams, your commitment to yourself and your future has paid off. Next year you will continue to follow your dream and study to become a teacher.
As your social worker, I have watched you develop and grow from a timid, frightened child into a strong, beautiful young woman. Stories like yours make all the hard days worth it. The days when I look at the young lives in front of me, shattered and broken, I make the decision that, no matter what, I choose to keep believing, to keep fighting for them. To keep looking at today with tomorrow’s eyes and see a child who can make it.
Go well young lady; thank you for the journey we could share. The rest is up to you, but please keep in touch!