close or will she have to undergo surgery ? Amen , she didn ’ t need it , and at two my baby girl was cleared from the diagnosis . From the time Amelia was three months old she had to wear an orthopedic helmet because her head was unevenly shaped . She wore this for a long year and a half . She hated it so much ; I didn ’ t even want to decorate it . We both were overjoyed to give it back at the end ! Then Amelia had multiple pneumonia and respiratory infections . Because her immune system was not strong , she was more susceptible to all those viruses . She still is at a higher risk , but I hope her body will strengthen and things will get better .
My acquaintance with the Little Light House was as unexpected as with Down Syndrome . When one of the nurses in hospital told me my baby might have this diagnosis , I did not know a thing about it . You see , in my country people with disabilities are not around . They are invisible and not seen in public places . Consequently , I didn ’ t even know these kids shared similar features due to a genetic disorder . “ It is curable , right ?” asked my parents when I shared the news . “ I don ’ t know ”, I said hoping to find the answer soon . Unfortunately , there is nothing modern medicine can do now . Who knows , maybe in the future ?
One day , close to my delivery date , my husband and I were driving past a new carwash which was doing a fundraiser to benefit the Little Light House . I remember asking a guy about this school and children with disabilities . Little did I know that in three and a half months I would enroll Amelia in this school , and she would be placed on the famous waiting list . Two years later , which I think was perfect timing for us , Amelia became a student at the best school for special children . Now you might ask , “ What was so good about it ?” I would tell you with confidence everything , from the teachers and their assistants to the therapists and administration ! I am sure the Little Light House played a significant role in Amelia ’ s development . In four years she transformed from a tiny little girl who didn ’ t talk or walk into a real person . There are many things I appreciate about my daughter ’ s school : their prayers , support for a single mother trying to make ends meet in a foreign country , understanding of Amelia and her needs , and the list goes on . I really don ’ t know where we would be on our journey if our path didn ’ t see the little but very bright light house .
I would love Amelia to live a full life and try new things , especially things that she enjoys . She loves music , gymnastics and to be involved in activities that
“ I don ’ t know where we would be on our journey if our path didn ’ t see the the little but very bright light house .”
are beneficial for her development . All the classes she takes help her with balance , coordination , strengthening her muscles , building up her immune system , and she acquires social skills that will help her find a way in this life and become somebody . My prayer for Amelia is to become somebody and make a difference in this world ! I have a feeling she will , don ’ t you ?
THE BEACON | 5