~by Elizabeth Gregory~
Today, our team had the opportunity to visit the families of three LWA children – Aldo, Lucky, and Obed – and spend time learning about their stories, challenges, and hopes. These home visits offered a meaningful glimpse into their lives and the love and strength within each family.
The first home visit we did was to Aldo’s house. Today, a team – Win, Kath, Steve, and Elizabeth – visited three homes: Aldo, Lucky, and Obed. Aldo is five years old and was born with cerebral palsy, which prevents him from being able to hear, walk, sit, or speak. Yet, he has a beautiful smile and radiates joy. Throughout the visit, Aldo made happy noises and shared his lovely smile with us. Aldo’s mom shared that her favorite thing about him is how deeply he loves, especially on the good days. Aldo lives with his mom and grandma. His mom had Aldo at 18 years old, and although his dad isn’t around, she has been surrounded by her loving family and has gone on to graduate from beauty school. She had just done her nails and toes and was so happy when they were noticed.
The second home visit was to Lucky’s house. Providence is Lucky’s mother, and she lives with her husband and their four children. Lucky is seven years old and has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and autism. Lucky can sit but cannot speak, and it takes him a long time to recognize people who care for him. He also has a younger sister who is showing signs of being on the spectrum. The family is planning to have her tested soon, and if needed, she will begin going to Love with Actions for occupational therapy.
Providence is a young mother who deeply loves her children and says, “they’re a blessing from God.” She shared that being their mom brings wonderful joys, but also challenges due to the stigmas that come with having children with disabilities. Every day she faces discrimination from neighbors, and her response is to remain strong and not show hurt from the negative comments said to her. She is so strong and compassionate, and she prays that her children will continue to be protected and loved.
The last home visit we did was for Obed, who is eleven years old. He was diagnosed with epilepsy and has multiple scars from falls in the past. Before age two Obed was a healthy baby, and life seemed great until he developed meningitis which affected his health. Now Obed lives with epilepsy, a condition that involves seizures and falling, but he is on medication provided by Love With Actions that helps manage his seizures. When asked about school, Obed enjoyed talking about it. Obed’s mom asked that our team pray that her children would be given the tools, resources and support needed to develop a better financial future.
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