If Emily Farquhar’s ability to master bike-riding, puzzles and the computer is anything to go by, the six-year-old will breeze through her first day at ‘‘big school’’ this week.
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The significance of the milestone is not lost on her parents Rachael and Wayne, who wondered whether their ‘‘miracle’’ baby would ever make it to school.
Emily was born on January 3, 2007, at just 27 weeks old after Mrs Farquhar haemorrhaged and had to have an emergency caesarean.
The couple’s second daughter was born with her eyes fused, and spent more than 100 days in hospital before she was able to go home.
‘‘For the first year of her life we wondered if we’d ever get this little girl home ... it was very touch and go,’’ Mrs Farquhar said. ‘‘Now to see her going off to school, it’s a massive milestone; it feels like my final let-go, it’s very overwhelming to know that she’s made it.
‘‘I will definitely need a box of tissues this week ... I’ve always dreamed of seeing her make it through and go to school; it’s just been one massive rollercoaster ride with a very happy ending.’’
Despite Emily’s early medical challenges, the little girl has blitzed her cognitive tests and has constantly surprised her parents with her strong will and physical capabilities.
‘‘She just has a go at everything ... she’s very determined and really active ... she learnt how to ride a bike without training wheels in half an hour – she’s just amazing,’’ Mr Farquhar said.
‘‘She’s had a few issues along the way ... her lungs, eyes and cognitive ability were the main concerns but she’s done really well with all her tests and reached all her milestones so we feel really lucky. From the initial birth up until now, it’s nice to take a breath and look back at all the hurdles and know that she’s come through everything.’’
Emily won’t be alone on her first day at Shell Cove Public School today as her big sister Molly, 7, and several friends from preschool join her for her first walk through the school gates.
‘‘She’s pretty excited ... Rachael runs a before-and-after school program at home so she’s seen all the kids come in ... I think she’s pretty keen to just get in and experience it,’’ Mr Farquhar said.
