by Cathy Glass
‘Dol, if you and Ivan agree, I’d like to buy Luka a new wheelchair.’
‘No, you can’t do that,’ she exclaimed. ‘Of course not.’
‘I’d like to, really. It would make me very happy. But only if it’s OK with you, Ivan and Luka.’ Her eyes filled, which choked me up. I hadn’t intended to upset her. ‘Please say yes,’ I added.
‘Luka would love a new wheelchair,’ she said, wiping away a tear. ‘Of course he would. He doesn’t complain, but it’s very uncomfortable for him, and we can’t afford to replace it. Yes, I agree, that would be wonderful for him, and I know Ivan will think so too. I’ll say yes, if you’re sure.’
‘I am. Fantastic. Shall I arrange to have the wheelchair sent to you?’ I asked. ‘Or send you the money so you can buy it?’
‘I don’t mind, although we don’t have a shop like that anywhere near us. We’ll need to find one, when Ivan has the time.’
‘I’ve done some research online and I could order it and have it delivered to you. Would that be easier?’ I asked.
‘Oh yes, much easier, thank you. I don’t know what to say.’
‘Nothing. I’m pleased I can help a little. You do so much for the boys. They are very lucky to have you.’
She teared up again as we said goodbye and I felt emotional too. They were a lovely family who didn’t have much and I was delighted to be able to do something to help. I immediately went online and ordered the motorized wheelchair I’d had my eye on. I’d already spent some time researching them and this was one of the best available. The retail outlet that sold them was over a hundred kilometres from where Dol lived, but they delivered and offered an aftersales service with an extended warranty.
Four days later Dol texted to say the wheelchair had arrived and Luka wanted to Skype. I went to my computer in the front room and the call came through. There was Luka, sitting proudly in his new wheelchair. ‘Hi, Aunty Cathy! Look at me!’
I smiled. Dol was holding up her phone with the camera pointing towards Luka so I could see him as he moved forwards, backwards and in circles, showing me what the wheelchair could do. We went around the downstairs, out across the yard, then in again. I was pleased to see that it glided effortlessly over the ground, giving him a freedom he’d never had before. Smiling from ear to ear, Luka finally drew the wheelchair to a halt and looked at me in earnest. ‘Cathy, thank you so very much. You’ve no idea what this means to me.’
I think I did.
And what of Lucy and her predicament, and the angry fourteen-year-old Edith wanted me to foster? Well, that’s another story and I’ll save it for my next book. Thank you for joining me on Oskar’s journey. For the latest on him and the other children in my books, please visit www.cathyglass.co.uk.
Suggested topics for reading-group discussion
Bearing in mind Roksana’s situation, what changes could she have made to give her a better chance of having Oskar returned to her care?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of multiple-occupancy living? Could it ever be suitable for a child?
What are the early signs that Oskar might have been sexually abused?
How would you describe Roksana’s character and her relationship with her sons? How much sympathy do you have for her?
Describe Edith’s role as Cathy’s supervising social worker. How might Edith improve her role?
School is safe and offers continuity for a child in care. Discuss.
What is the purpose of regular reviews for children in care? How effective do you think they are? How might they be improved?
Like many of Cathy’s previous foster children, Oskar forms a strong bond with her mother, Nana. Why do you think this might be?
Cathy believes it is the right decision for Oskar to live permanently with his aunt. Do you agree? What problems, if any, might he face once he’s moved?
At the end of the book, Lucy delivers some life-changing news, which Cathy puts on hold in order to finish Oskar’s story. Write the first paragraph of the next book.
Praise for Cathy Glass
‘Poignant and revealing … real-life stories such as these have helped to move and inspire a generation’
Sunday Mirror
‘A true tale of hope’
OK! Magazine
‘Heartbreaking’
Mirror
‘A life-affirming read … that proves sometimes a little hope is all you need’
Heat Magazine
‘A hugely touching and emotional true tale’
Star Magazine
‘Foster carers rarely get the praise they deserve, but Cathy Glass’s book should change all that’
First Magazine
‘Cannot fail to move those who read it’
Adoption-net
‘Once again, Cathy Glass has blown me away with a poignant story’
The Writing Garnet, book blogger
‘Brilliant book. I’d expect nothing less from Cathy … I cried, of course’
Goodreads review
‘… gripping page-turner from start to finish … emotive and heart-wrenching …’
Kate Hall, book blogger
‘… another great read … no complex narrative, just pure storytelling …’
5* Kindle review
‘Filled with compassion and love’
Victoria Goldman, Lovereading
‘Never disappoints and brings a tear to my eye’
Hannah, book blogger
‘Simply yet eloquently told … Cathy’s years of fostering experience shine a beam of light across the pages’
Liz Robinson, Lovereading
‘Amazing writing from an incredible lady’
5* Amazon review
‘Wonderfully written book’
5* Kindle review
‘A captivating insight into the life of a foster carer’
Victoria Goldman, Lovereading
‘I have read all Cathy Glass’s books and none disappoint’
5* Amazon review
‘Great job, Cathy Glass. Keep doing what you do and I’ll keep reading’
Goodreads review
About the Publisher
Australia
HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
Level 13, 201 Elizabeth Street
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
http://www.harpercollins.com.au
Canada
HarperCollins Canada
Bay Adelaide Centre, East Tower
22 Adelaide Street West, 41st Floor
Toronto, ON, M5H 4E3, Canada
http://www.harpercollins.ca
India
HarperCollins India
A 75, Sector 57
Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201 301, India
http://www.harpercollins.co.in
New Zealand
HarperCollins Publishers (New Zealand) Limited
P.O. Box 1
Auckland, New Zealand
http://www.harpercollins.co.nz
United Kingdom
HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
1 London Bridge Street
London SE1 9GF
http://www.harpercollins.co.uk
United States
HarperCollins Publishers Inc.
195 Broadway
New York, NY 10007
http://www.harpercollins.com
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