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22nd November 2024
10:38am GMT
Saturday marks a year since the horrifying Parnell Square attack in Dublin. Three children and one woman were injured when a man attacked them outside a school on Parnell Square.
A five-year-old girl was in hospital for over 280 days and suffered life-changing injuries.
Her family has been sharing updates with the public since her hospitalisation and they recently confirmed she had been discharged after 281 days in Temple Street Hospital.
Ahead of the one year anniversary of the Parnell Square incident, her family told their supporters that "we don't wish to remember the tragedy".
"We choose rebirth, triumph, resilience. Don't get me wrong, I experience at least a dozen different emotions throughout the day as I think of her, pass by some spot in town which held significance to us, sing 'All my Loving' to get a smile out of her. It is tough.
"So much has happened, and our little girl has endured so much, yet she still manages to bolster a smile, even when crying. Granny says she doesn't know if she laughs or if she cries."
Her mum continued: "Me and my husband have had to relearn how to be a parent. It is different parenting altogether. And she has had to relearn being a child, with extreme limitations."
Her family confirmed she can't communicate or move like she used to.
She also has to "understand the meaning of patience".
"It takes a lot out of her to lift her arms, but she is a warrior and she does it. We strongly believe, despite medical assessments and reports, that she understands everything we say to her. She, like most 6-year-olds, chooses what she wishes to acknowledge."
"We are on the home stretch for home. We get to make our schedule and allow your pace to dictate activities. 2025 will be a brand new experience, another one we will also have to adapt to," they continued.
Despite the hurdles and heartbreak, they said their little girl has made incredible progress in the last year.
"She has made great progress, and we don't wish her to stop. Only time will truly tell. Some people with acquired brain injuries have still shown change and improvement up to 10 years later. We've got time," they shared.
"It is a lot to take in, for all of those involved, the children, the parents, the school staff. I would like to thank everyone for the love and support over these 12 months. Hug your loved ones extra tight," they added.
You can donate to support her family here.
