Raising a child with special needs comes with unique challenges, and for Naa Donkor, the journey has been painful yet filled with unwavering love and resilience.
In a heartfelt account, she shared her struggles, emotions, and the steps she has taken since discovering her son Owuraku’s condition.
Naa recounted the moment her son was diagnosed at just one year and five months old.
“He was one year and five months when he was diagnosed, but you know the Ghanaian in us, my husband and I didn’t accept it,” she explained. “So they showed us how children like that behave. When I told my husband, he got angry because he also didn’t believe it.”
Despite her husband’s initial refusal to acknowledge the diagnosis, Naa sought help. “That was when they told us that we would need early intervention, and what they do is bring someone home to play with the kid and take records,” she said. However, her husband’s disapproval made it difficult. “My husband didn’t agree, so when he is not around, I would let the professionals come around for some time and do their job.”
Like many parents in similar situations, Naa turned to her faith for answers. She consulted pastors, hoping for a miracle, but found herself exploited instead. “I also started consulting pastors to pray for me because I thought it was a spiritual matter. But it didn’t work. They just took advantage of me,” she revealed.
For Naa, the journey has not only been physically draining but emotionally overwhelming. Reflecting on her experience, she admitted to contemplating drastic measures.
“It’s not easy, but God is our helper. It never came to mind to kill him. The only thought that came to mind was for me to commit suicide because I thought that was the only answer,” she confessed. “I have cried and gone through pain.”
She described her mixed emotions upon realizing her son’s condition. “There are two types of pregnancy: the one you want and unwanted pregnancy. I wanted Owuraku’s pregnancy and even prepared for it, so I felt disappointed. It was horrible and painful. Because I prepared myself before giving birth, and the idea of giving birth to a baby like that didn’t come to mind.”
Naa acknowledged the limitations in addressing Owuraku’s condition. “If money could cure Owuraku’s sickness, we would have gone for a loan. But it is a brain issue, and there is nothing we can do,” she said. Despite her pain, she has learned to adapt and focus on her son’s wellbeing.
Her story is a testament to the resilience of mothers everywhere who face similar struggles, navigating the delicate balance of love, hope, and acceptance.
Watch the full video below:
