Three wishes

When my daughter was very young, someone asked her “If you had three wishes, what would they be?” The answer was typical of any child that age and I believe it went something along the lines of: “Going to Disneyland, getting a puppy and living in a big house with a swimming pool.” The person questioning her asked “ Wouldn't you wish that your mummy didn’t have Gaucher disease?” to which my daughter’s direct and straightforward answer without a moment’s hesitation was: “Mummy wouldn't be the same mummy without Gaucher!” This statement so honest and simple from a child’s perspective, made me think. My daughter had never known anything else – I had been ill since she was born. Just as some mothers have blonde hair or work from 9-5 in an office, I have Gaucher disease. It’s as simple as that. There was never a question or thought in her mind of wanting or wishing for a different mother. Gaucher doesn't define who I am, but without doubt it is part of my life. What defines me is who I am and what I do. Despite having Gaucher and Parkinson’s I continue to live my life to the full, and do my utmost to bring greater awareness of these two diseases, whilst helping and offering support to others wherever I can. However, if there are any genies or fairy Godmother’s out there reading my blog – could you please grant me three wishes (I’d make do even with just one wish)!