27th June 2012, My boy Akorede Daniel made me a mother, yea the journey hasn’t been smooth but God’s Grace has been sufficient!
A beautiful Wednesday, around 2 pm, my son arrived, everything seemed perfect until late that night when we noticed his that his arms were twitching and that he was crying inconsolably and couldn’t suck. In the morning, we were directed to another hospital around us where the doctor gave a diagnosis of birth asphyxia.
I had never heard that word and had no idea what it meant. That day, I cried my eyes out when I saw my newborn struggling in pains. After a while, he went into a coma for 6 whole days! He was just breathing, no movement, no cry! The experience was bitter! On the 7th day, my boy cried, I was so happy. I expressed breast milk and he was given just 0.5ml per meal with a syringe for days, It was tough on me, thank God my mum and mother in law were with me. We were discharged 3days later.
At 6 months my boy didn’t have neck control. I tried to make him sit but he couldn’t, his body was floppy and his right arm was stiff. Throughout our appointments, the Doctor didn’t tell us anything until grandmas saw him and suspected something might be wrong. We then visited another doctor and He told me to go back with his report to my doctor, it was then He directed us to a government hospital to see a physiotherapist.
The physio wasn’t kind at all! He told me my son had cerebral palsy and ask me to go and read about it myself and even sent me out when I couldn’t bear the pain of the twisting, stretching and turning on my poor innocent child.
My hubby consoled me and encouraged me but I couldn’t hold myself. I want to state at this point that my husband has been a pillar. I am aware some spouses are not supportive over such situations but my case is different!
The journey to sleepless and restless nights, eating challenges, physiotherapy sessions, rejection and self-guilt began.
It has been 6years now, though it seems we haven’t achieved much but we will surely get there! Through these years, I have learnt so much on patience and appreciation. I have been hurt through peoples comments, stares and pity but no more!
My hubby has been my pillar, He will always tell me, “don’t worry, God allowed it”, His words gave me that inner strength never to give up. Our families stood by us, even wanted to take custody of our child, but we are determined to care for him ourself, God gave him to us not them!
Happy 6th Birthday my adorable super handsome boy, no matter the delay, you will fulfil destiny! Thanks, Engraced ones for this platform and the support received so far through the School of Grace. We will surely have testimonies.