This is our little boy with Auntie BarbaraOne of our little boys left on Thursday to go to another home. Although this little boy is not HIV positive, we took him in when he was 3 months old because they thought he was dying. He was born with hydrocephalus and, in South Africa's public hospital system, nothing is done until the baby is 4 months old. If the child survives that long, a shunt is inserted into the brain to drain the fluids.
Against all odds, this little boy survived and had his shunt put in, even though it had to be done twice. He is now 19 months old and has developed into such a lovely little boy. With occupational therapy and lots of loving attention from us all, he has strengthened his neck enough to be able to hold his head up on his own. He mimics words and waves his arms around while he is communicating. From a baby who didn't like to be touched and cried when you tried to play with him, he is now a happy little boy with a chance at an almost normal future.
Sadly for us, we couldn't keep him, firstly because he is not HIV positive and our mandate is to work with HIV positive children and secondly, because we have no more space for permanent children. We need to clear the ''place of safety" positions in the home so that we can have a space for very sick and dying HIV positive children who desperately need the medical attention our home provides.
It was especially hard for Auntie Barbara and some of the caregivers to say goodbye because they had worked especially closely with him and developed a strong bond. He has gone to a home for special needs children and we pray that he will receive the therapy and stimulation he requires there. Please pray for him.
1 comment:
I remember this little boy from our visit to Lambano. He loved being picked up and talked to - mimicking what you said. We'll continue to pray for him.
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