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Mother: Sonnie Kay Musyimi Babies: Naima andWema Musyimi
Sonnie is the brave mother to two beautiful girls. Naima is a jovial four year old who has cerebral palsy (CP) and is a quadriplegic. The last born Wema is two years old. Sonnie is a makeup artist and a marketer.
How did you learn that Naima has CP? Though I had a smooth pregnancy, the delivery day was very complicated. I was in labour for a while and due to medical negligence, Naima was in the crowning position for hours and she was asphyxiated (the brain lacked oxygen) and that damaged the majority of her brain. We were told that she would most likely have CP from the first few tests we did.
What is Naima like? Naima is like any other child. She has her happy and sad moments, she just can't express them. She is a very jovial girl who loves attention and being kissed by her younger sister.
What has been the greatest challenge in raising Naima so far? The first year was very hard. We were newly married and first time parents and we had no idea what CP was. She started her therapy when she was two months old and she was on different medications.
The financial strain was strong because of the different therapies, medications, special care and equipment needed.
Is there a special moment that stands out that you remember? Oh yes, there is! It was on the day I had her. After she failed to breath for 45 minutes, we were told she was gone and we should say our final goodbyes. Just after I prayed for her and opened my eyes, she took a deep breath, opened her eyes, looked at me and closed her eyes. I felt like she was saying 'I am here and I am here to stay, fight for me mummy.' I will never forget that moment.
What do you want people to know about CP? I hate it when people stare, I would rather they asked questions about Naima. She is not a burden; she is just needs special care and patience.
For mothers who might be going through the same experience, I want to encourage them to stop asking themselves why them and ask why not them because they will be a helping hand to another person like them in the future.
You can follow Sonnie and Naima on their Facebook page, Healing Love.
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