Melissa McGilvray knows a thing or two about her world turning upside down. Because on two very ordinary days, nearly 20 years apart, that’s exactly what happened to her. Mel’s husband Garth went to chop some firewood, when the unthinkable happened. The tree he was cutting fell on him, and he died. As traumatic as it was, Mel knew she had to go on, for her, and for their little boy Oli. And then, a few years later, the universe weaved its magic, and Mel fell in love with Oli’s godfather, and one of Garth’s best mates, Scotty. But in 2020, Mel’s world turned upside down again. Scotty was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and he lived for 10 more months. Somehow, through all the grief, loss and heartache - she’s still got a positive outlook on life. This is a story of love, hope and how starting over again, and again, even when it seems impossible, is actually possible. It’s a story about how, through the very darkest of days, Mel has found joy again. This is her story. 

Are you raising a child with developmental concerns, a disability, or who is neurodivergent? Envisage is here to empower you and your family to feel confident and supported. Their FREE peer support program is designed to provide parents a compassionate space where you can learn, grow, and find the resources you need to thrive. There’s NO diagnosis or NDIS plan required— and…it's fully funded with no cost to you. Head to: https://envisage.community/

The Compassion Project is an organisation dedicated to helping mums face difficult days. They’ve launched the Emotional Support for Mothers Toolkit - designed to help you navigate every stage of motherhood. Over the next 12 months, EVERY rural mum who enrols in our Motherland Village online program will receive this toolkit, for FREE. To learn more head to thecompassionproject.au

Motherland Village enrolments for 2025 are now OPEN across all three age groups, 0-3 years, 4-10 years and 11-18 years. 

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