Author(s): Linda Tuhiwai Smith; Joy Te Aho-White

Milestones and Issues

A little boy experiences family violence and physical abuse, and he turns inwards and is unable to express his feelings and sadness. Gradually, through the help of his nan, his cousin, uncle and a child psychologist he rebuilds his self-esteem and begins to find happiness again and regains a sense of who he is and where he belongs. As he feels people’s love and their belief in him, his inner light warms and grows. He finds he can do things, feel joy again and connect with people. Ko Rāwhiti ahau. He maha ngā mahi kino i pā mai ki ahau, kāore e taea e au te kōrero mō te wā roa. I runga i te mataku, ka noho mokemoke ahau. Kāore he mea pai i tēnei ao. Nā Nēni, nā tōku whānau me ngā tākuta ahau i āwhina. А̄, kāore i roa, ka pai ake ngā āhuatanga. Ka harikoakoa katoa ahau.  I tēnei wā, e mōhio ana ka pai ahau, ka pai hoki ngā mea katoa.