The Unconditional Love for A Child : PowerHouseCreatives Contest
It's so true that love comes in many different ways. And with this week's contest theme based on LOVE, I feel it's only right to share this beautiful true story with all of you.
CAUTION:
If you have a weak heart, don't read because it will bring tears to your eyes. But, if you do, know that this is 100% true.
Forty-three years ago, a beautiful baby boy was borned to a not-so-well to do couple who lived moderately in a suburban city, southern part of Malaysia. Both husband and wife were not highly educated but they made just enough to live by day and by night. Not wanting to depend and rely on others, they worked hard and never complained an inch, not even to their parents or siblings.
As the child grew, it became obvious to them that he was not a normal child. Four decades ago, medical practitioners were not so advanced and information was not so heavily available online as how it is today. With only basic education, there was only so much they could learn or do for their first born. Thankfully, with the support of fellow siblings, they brought their child to the best treatment centers they knew; even if they had to fork out every single penny from their savings to treat their child.
DIAGNOSE - DOWN SYNDROME
It was a severe stage and there was nothing they could do. Both husband and wife took the diagnose bravely and did what every parent would have done.
LOVE and KINDNESS
As the days grew ahead, the couple had three more children. All born normal. However, as their first born grew older year-on-year, they knew that they needed to prepare him for the world. It wasn't an option for them to leave him in a situation where he could not take care of himself and become a burden to others. Afterall, he was as healthy as anyone could be.
Taking drastic measures and making life-changing decisions, the couple uproot the entire family from the suburban city and moved to central city of Kuala Lumpur. Back then, this central city was still a developing township but they had the medical and support group that could help them. Due to financial limitations, the couple found a small home in the local housing estate. A home made of wood and not bricks; a home which many would call it for the poor. But, for them this was as good as it gets.
Every morning either husband or wife would bring their first born to the local council for down syndrome; an association that supports and helps train down syndrome children. Teaching them basic needs such as brushing teeth, folding clothes, using utensils to eat and etc. Because of his condition, he was granted access to the Down Syndrome program and was given monthly allowance as a token. In addition, for every task that he does, he would also be given monetary allowance. Although he may not be fully alert, he was aware of his parents suffering and for every penny that he earned, he would give it to his parents. That was his small little way of showing appreciation and love.
His siblings never complained or belittle him. Instead, they stood by him and their parents. Helping out ever since they were small with house errands and doing small jobs within the neighborhood. This made them closer than ever to each other and stronger as a family.
I believe God works in mysterious ways. This child is now forty-three years old and for the last two decades, perhaps God has really been watching this family and seeing just how strong the bond of love is not just amongst mother-child-father but also sister-brother, the fruits of all their hard labour made a 360 degrees turn for this family.
Not only they became financially stronger but also more secured. They finally moved out to a home made of bricks and managed to secure a daily job of collecting paperboxes for a living. It provides good and consistent income with plenty of flexibility in the hours to care for their first born. As for the child who has now grown to become a man, he is no longer termed as a down syndrome person. Instead, he is able to take care of himself and even care for his baby nephew and help out with the house chores such as sweeping, mopping, washing the toilet and folding clothes. That's a great success !
Photo is from own gallery
I have a lot of love and respect for this family especially both husband and wife. Not only are they related to me by blood but also because of their relentless love and care for each other. This child is my cousin and his parents are my uncle and aunt from my father's side. It brings tears to my eyes writing this down because I was there throughout my cousin's journey as he was born just a couple of months after me.
It's not an easy battle and journey but LOVE DOES CONQUERS ALL and I pray that God continues to look out for this family as they really deserves so so much.
I'm so lost for words now that I'm not sure how to end this post. So many sad emotions and memory of my uncle and aunt coming back to me at this very moment.
If you know of anyone going through similar situations, please do lend a helping hand. A small deed can really go very far.
good for them. And really, now we know that down-syndrome children can function well with early training and such. They instinctively knew that. A strong family can overcome so much!
Yes it's unbelievable how much my cousin has improved over the years.
And he can really clean the house spotless 😊
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The believe and love of family is beyond words
This is the testament to that kind of unconditional love
Thank you for sharing this @ireenchew <3
It makes my mini irritations with the kids embarrassing ...
Seeing them as a family and what they are today is a great joy to the years that they have been working hard and supporting each other.
It constantly reminds me that LOVE is always the answer
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<33
Thanks for sharing that story of true love. I'm so glad they found some support in the community as well as from family members like you.
Yes.. every little help goes a long way
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This is what makes the difference between people, the way they treat others less fortunate then them. I have an uncle with Down syndrome and although his parents were told he will not make it to 20 years old, today he is in his mid fifties. Just like in your story, the parents and siblings helped him and taught him the best they could to be independent. He used to live with one of his older sisters until about 8 years ago when she passed away. Ever since he lives alone but family members still visit him and help him financially as in his country disabled people are not allowed to work which is a shame.
Medicine practitioners four over decades ago always say that it's impossible but with family support and local authorities, they can. It's so unfortunate that the country does not support them financially even a big because they can be helpful and useful in life.
I see cousin being able to be a contributor to the nation as Nd most importantly not a burden to his siblings if his parents pass on.
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What a blessing your cousin has turned out to be. Thank you for sharing your amazing family with us.
Yes he is. I believe that God is repaying the love and kindness that my uncle and aunt has bestowed upon him all these years.
He's innocence is real and genuine. My parents help as much as they can. That's why I shared this true story to the world because it's so rare
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