Austyn and the Lollipop

Pictures of a child licking a lollipop.  It doesn't sound like a big deal, all kids like lollipops, right ?

Except, when the child licking the lollipop is Austyn, it's a pretty big deal.

Austyn turned 12 just before Christmas.  He's been at New Day since August and he came here so that we could try to help treat his 'malnourishment due to severe eating difficulties'.  He has gained weight, filled out a little, become happier.

But Austyn has wanted nothing to do with real food.  A bottle is all he has known and any food that was offered to him was just pushed away or ignored.

Somehow, Amy, the foster home manager, discovered that Austyn had an interest in lollipops.  This time Austyn reached for the lollipop, and pulled it towards his mouth.

And he liked it !  The sweetness felt good on his tongue, and he didn't push it away.

With a little help from Samantha, Austyn took more licks of the lollipop.

'Boy enjoys lollipop' - it doesn't sound like big news.  For those of us who know Austyn, or have been following his story, however, it sounds like very good news indeed.  It sounds like the start of a new chapter in Austyn's story.