The little girl who was five years old when she was stabbed near her school on Parnell Square is “on the home stretch for home” according to an update posted to a GoFundMe page run to support her and her family.
The update posted yesterday says that this Saturday marks one year since the incident.
“I guess calling it an incident is as good a word as any. Others come to mind, but we don’t wish to remember the tragedy.”
The update says, “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.”
The message from the girl’s mother says ‘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.”
“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. She cannot move or communicate as she used to, so she 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.” she said.
“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.”
Algerian Riad Bouchakar remains in custody awaiting trial as the sole suspect in the attack which took place on the 23rd of November 2023.
The little girl’s mother continues, “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.”
“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.
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.” the update ends.