To Table of Contents
Nathan ' s Early Years Family Photo him with Cerebral palsy . Though we suspected that something was wrong with his development since he was months old , we never suspected anything this serious , let alone this debilitating . The diagnosis of Cerebral palsy came as a shock . I didn ’ t even know what this all meant , because outside of the name of the disability and what my son will never ever be able to do , no other information was given to us by the neurologist .
hospital in Kingston , Jamaica , before he was discharged and sent home . I still remember the feelings of jubilation when he came home . We were so happy to receive our baby who we had been waiting for from the moment I found out and made peace with the fact that I was pregnant . He was discharged from the hospital and we were never given any information or prepared for what was to come . When we left the hospital with him that day , we thought the worst was over . None of the medical or healthcare personnel prepared or even alerted us that something might go wrong with his development because of what he had gone through .
Nathan came home and we noticed very soon that he was not developing typically like his siblings . For instance , at four months , he still behaved and responded like a newborn . He could not hold up his head , could not sit even when supported , had problems eating , could not track or focus on any objects and seemed unaware of the world around him . I brought this to his doctor ’ s attention during his post-surgery clinic visits , but the doctors didn ’ t respond satisfactorily . So , I stopped going to the Hospital ’ s pediatrician and took him to a private pediatrician . It was there that my concerns were taken seriously , and we started a process of tracking his development or lack thereof more closely .
At nine months he was still significantly delayed in almost all his milestones . He was referred to a pediatric neurologist , who diagnosed
I went through a period of utter despair . I thought the diagnosis was a death sentence , and that my son would have died as an infant . I became very afraid of leaving him alone , let alone going to sleep . Fear was my constant companion for a long time .
From the time of the diagnosis until Nathan was 2 ½ years old , were the most difficult , as we struggled to find information to figure out what services he needed , where to find these services and what we … I could do as a mother to help him .
After two years , I was no closer to understanding this condition and the effect it would have on my child . I felt helpless , as I did not know how to help my child . I was shrouded with a deep sense of grief and loss , as all I was told
Royal Castle
Palace of Culture & Science
Credit: Tomasz Bidziński, Warsaw Tourist Office
Credit: Artur Bogacki
More than 90 parks, historical
gardens, squares, nature reserves
and botanical gardens covers almost
a quarter of the area. Warsaw is also
one of the few capitals in the world
that boasts a primeval forest and
woodland growing in the city. The
long list is headed by Royal Łazienki
Park known for famous Fryderyk
Chopin Concerts held each summer
in unique outdoor setting. It is worth
knowing that the famous composer,
born exactly 200 years ago, spent the
first half of its life in Warsaw which
is a home to the his museum and
renowned Chopin Competition. To
learn more about his links with the
city you can also use the ‘Chopin in
Warsaw’ mobile app.
Old Town Market Square
Credit: Dima Malihin, Warsaw Tourist Office
During the summer season probably
the best place to go to is the Vistula
river with its modern boulevards on
one side and a belt of natural woods
and unique sandy beaches on the
other.. When the temperature gets
higher the riverside starts to buzz
with life – the cafés and bars open
up and dance parties and open-air
concerts take place. The Multimedia
Fountain Park and the Copernicus
Science Center located nearby draw
families with children.
Warsaw has also a rich calendar of
musical, cultural and sports events.
Festivals, star concerts and outdoor
exhibitions take place throughout
the year. In present circumstances
they can be enjoyed only online
but make sure to check What’on
section as soon as the tough times
are happily gone. To keep track of
the situation or keep in touch with
Warsaw staying at home follow
Go2Warsaw.
Palace in Royal Łazienki Park
Credit: City of Warsaw
Multimedia Fountain Park
Credit: City of Warsaw
To Table of Contents
Those who prefer walking off the
beaten path are welcome to Praga
district which for centuries has been
diverse in terms of culture, ethnicity
and religion. Contrary to most of
Warsaw it was not destroyed during
World War II and is considered to be
the most authentic part of the city.
You will enjoy strolling through the
historic streets, admiring temples
of various religions and discovering
the shrines hidden in backyards. In
Praga Koneser Centre, the renovated
complex of the 19th-century vodka
distillery, housing Polish Vodka
Museum you will learn how the
Polish drink is made.
Warsaw’s food scene is just as
interesting diverse as the city itself.
Designer restaurants, elegant venues
and variety of eateries located in
historic interiors of Hala Koszyki and
Elektrownia Powiśle offer flavours
from both Poland and all over the
world. In order to join the locals and
taste traditional dishes pop into
one of milk bars dating back to the
communism era. Hungry vegetarians
and vegans will be delighted - even
Paris or Prague cannot claim to
have so many vegan restaurants.
And on summer weekends outdoor
breakfast fairs attract lovers of
healthy food, relax and socializing.
Warsaw will positively surprise you in
many ways. Just give it a chance !
Vistula Boulevard
Credit: City of Warsaw
Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews
Credit: City of Warsaw
Praga Koneser Centre
Credit: City of Warsaw
To Table of Contents