A Moment That Reminded Me Why We Do What We Do
I want to share a moment from today that moved me and reminded me of why we do what we do.
Victoria and I were invited to attend the Glenvale School Narara Campus presentation day, a day my wife ensured I couldn’t miss. It was my first time walking through the school, and from the moment I stepped onto the grounds, I knew it was something special. As a parent, I felt that familiar mix of anticipation, but if I’m being honest, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’ve never been the most natural at this parenting thing, my wife is the one who has that innate understanding, that instinct. But today, something shifted.
As I got to my seat, I passed so many familiar faces. It occurred to me that so many of the children at the school are kids we’ve been privileged to support through Tribe. I felt a deep sense of pride, knowing we’d played a small part in their journeys. I couldn’t help but smile as I thought about how much they’ve grown and how far they’ve come.
When the awards ceremony began, it was overwhelming in the best possible way. I watched as each child walked up to receive their award, greeted by their proud parents and the cheering of friends. But for me, it was more than just an awards ceremony. It was a moment of connection, a moment where I got to witness six amazing kids from Tribe receive recognition for their hard work, one of them was named next year’s school captain, and my son, Rylan, was named vice school captain.
As the ceremony came to a close, I got teary-eyed. It’s not often you get to witness so many children, each facing their own challenges, stepping up and achieving something truly special. At that moment, I thought about parents, like me, who see the world from a unique perspective, a perspective shaped by the daily realities of raising a child with a disability. The joy we feel in these moments isn’t just about the awards; it’s about the struggles, the perseverance, and the small victories that lead to moments like these.
I also thought about the incredible team at Tribe. The work we do goes beyond just providing care, it’s about helping children and families thrive. It’s about giving them opportunities to grow, push past limitations, and realise their full potential. Tribe may not be the right fit for everyone, but I’m deeply grateful for the families who have chosen to be part of our community. We don’t just care for them; we support them, encourage them, and celebrate each step of progress along the way.
As this year draws to a close, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride for the work we do. It’s a privilege to be part of a team that learns, adapts, and grows together. We have one clear goal: to help everyone in our Tribe thrive. Looking ahead, I’m filled with hope, knowing that we are making a real, lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.
Today was a reminder of why we do this, to celebrate every victory, no matter how big or small, and to keep working toward a future where every child can reach their full potential.
- Jaypee