Celebrating 26 Years of Dara: A Mother's Journey of Love, Growth, and Gratitude

Wow—26 years! Where has the time gone? As I reflect on the incredible journey so far, I’m filled with gratitude, pride, and awe at the young man my son has become.

The first ten years of our journey were filled with discovery. I was navigating the world of raising a child with a learning disability and on the autism spectrum. I threw myself into countless training workshops, determined to understand the unique and wonderful person you are. I wanted to equip myself with the right tools to be the best mum I could be for you. It wasn’t easy, but I thank God for His wisdom, His guidance, and the amazing friends He placed around me during those formative years.

The next two years were a battle—one I fought fiercely within the education system. I was determined to ensure you had every support needed to thrive. During this period, I also had to confront and release my own fixed ideas—that success only came through attending a mainstream secondary school. That was a major internal struggle for me. But again, I thank God for the revelation that His perfect will and purpose will always prevail in your life—not mine.

The following ten years were a rollercoaster of highs and lows. As you became more aware of what your peers were achieving, I watched you wrestle with feelings of low self-esteem and self-confidence. But even through the struggles, you showed incredible resilience. You pushed through, you worked hard, and you achieved your GCSEs. That moment was one of my proudest as your mother—not just because of the certificate, but because of the determination it represented.

>And these last three years? They’ve been nothing short of amazing. I’ve watched you blossom into a young man who refuses to let society’s labels define or limit him. Your dream of starting a business to inspire and encourage others to embrace their uniqueness was born. From that dream, “Embrace Your Uniqueness” and its beautiful characters were created—each one representing strength, individuality, and the power to break stereotypes.

This creation is a testament to your perseverance, your creativity, and your unshakable spirit. You are still on your journey, still discovering who you are and where you want to go—and that’s okay. Please know that no matter what, I am always in your corner, cheering you on with every step.

Oluwadara, I love you deeply. I will continue to support you for as long as God gives me breath. I thank God for your life—for everything He has done, is doing, and will do. I’m excited to see what the next few years will bring, and I know that His plans for you are full of hope, purpose, and greatness.

Happy 26th Birthday, my son. You are different, not less—and I wouldn't change a single thing.