I often write when things are going wrong because it helps me when I write, and also because I think it’s important to move away from toxic positivity and Instagram #SoBlessed vibes. Other times I write when we have overcome things and I feel the need to share the journey (X-factor style). Today is neither. Today is about everyone having a time to shine, and things falling into place.

Our eldest did not have it easy at all when he was at school. Diagnosed dyslexia, undiagnosed ADHD (and probably undiagnosed ASD) made formal education really tough. The first attempt at uni didn’t go well either – after his first year he had to leave on mental health grounds. However, his second attempt was successful, and he graduated this year with a 2:1. Because of the time he had at school, before he graduated he started working as a SEND Teaching assistant, and now he is a full time SEND tutor at an independent special school, and will continue with more training & a Masters degree. He loves his job, he loves the work, and he is making a difference. Because he has lived what many of the young people are going through, he has empathy and understanding, and he can also show what can happen because of where he is now.

Our youngest has also found his place. The UCAS application is complete, submitted and offers are already arriving – even though the deadline is not til mid January. He has struggled with formal education. English Language & writing for the sake of writing, and English Literature (reading and analysing books other people have chosen for you) were always very difficult, but now, in year 13, just 7 months away from A-level exams, his grades truly reflect his ability and potential. He still finds school hard, and I think he will really fly when he gets to university, but his grades means that he has been able to choose any university to apply for.

Our eldest is 26 and our youngest is 18. They have found their niche at different times in their lives – and they may change their minds and adjust their sales and end up going in a different direction, but we can look at them both and know that right now, it has come together for both of them. They are exactly where they should be, doing exactly what they should be doing.

However, looking back, they have always been exactly where they needed to be. Even in the darkest of times (which were very, very dark at times), they were learning things about the world or about themselves that has led to where they are now. Life isn’t all pretty and nice and smooth. It is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. It is good times, bad times and ‘I can’t see how we can get out of this’ times. Sometimes the good times last months, sometimes just minutes – and the same for the other times too.

Some of you who are reading this will be in a dark place. Some of you may be looking at your skware pegs and won’t know what to do next. We have been there. We may be there again. But today, maybe just for today, it feels like it has all come together.