Love story: Love when you don't know how long you've got

This story from ABC Australia is a deeply personal and moving account of love in the face of significant challenges. Kerrie Franc's narrative about her daughter Pippa, who has Williams syndrome, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless capacity for love.

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Despite being in a "constant state of anxiety" for Pip's wellbeing, 47-year-old Kerrie from Ballarat says life with her is full of joy.

Franc’s journey began with a difficult pregnancy and a premature birth, followed by months of uncertainty and medical interventions. The initial dismissal of her concerns by medical professionals, who suggested postnatal depression, adds a layer of frustration to her early experiences as a mother. However, her persistence eventually led to Pippa's diagnosis of Williams syndrome at 15 months old.

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I was angry. I was really angry they wouldn't take my word that she was different to my first child.

Despite the developmental delays, feeding complications, and constant anxiety associated with Pippa's condition, Franc’s perspective is overwhelmingly positive. She highlights the "masses of joy and love" Pippa brings into their lives. The article beautifully captures the unique bond between mother and daughter, emphasizing Pippa's sweet, loving nature and her eagerness to please.

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But there's masses of joy and love.

What makes this story particularly resonant from an Australian perspective is its focus on everyday heroism and the celebration of life’s simple, yet profound, moments. Franc’s unwavering dedication and her ability to find enduring magic, like the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus, for her daughter, who is developmentally delayed, is truly inspiring. It underscores the Australian value of looking after one another and finding strength and happiness in family, even when faced with adversity. The story, part of ABC's 'Love Story' series, reminds us that love comes in many forms and that its power can transform even the most challenging circumstances.

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All these magical things you get when kids are little. But I've got them forever.