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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