One day I came across a beautiful line “Sometimes, angels are disguised as kids with special needs to teach us how to be better people”. And this stuck with me for good, to advocate and to be a voice for those who are yet to find their voice.
My Happy, wonderful boy is Six years old and is presently non speaking. But I can see the oceans of words in his eyes, in his gestures and gleeful smiles. He has taught me that love does not need elaborate words or big gestures. He loves truly, without judgements, without conditions. He is happy and contended just to have us around him, for simply being his parents.
I look at him and there are days I would give anything to know what he is feeling – pain, joy, hurt or maybe just a joke he may want to share.
So, as I wait patiently to hear my boy say ‘mama’/ ‘ayo’, I constantly remind myself and others to see him for who he is and not for what he can’t do. To celebrate big for every small wins, to listen, to look for the unsaid words.
My prayer is to witness God’s plan and purpose for Livan, his family and those lives he will touch irrevocably. For those fortunate enough to cross path with Livan in this lifetime, I believe he has a lot to teach, a lot to give. It is truly a privilege, a calling, being a part of Livan’s beautiful Existence. He loves us all, silently!
Dr. Thungbeni Ngullie