The beginning of spring brings many reasons for joy and celebration, and March was a perfect example of this at the Foundation. We celebrated mothers.
By definition, a mother is a fighter who, although she may go through difficult times, never loses hope, continues to move forward, finding the strength to face all obstacles and challenges.
Mothers always find a way to help their children, especially when the little ones suffer from a condition that would kneel any soul. This is what Daniela has been doing since her son was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. Mothers take the uncertain present into their own hands, as Anastasia did, and turn it into safety and peace for their family. Mothers are strong women, like Maria, who teach us every day lessons about life, love, and compassion.
Daniela, Adrian’s mother
Adrian was diagnosed with a severe form of autism at the age of 3. Recovery can be a slow and difficult process, and the fact that Daniela commutes more than 30 km every day to take him to therapy, school, and doctors shows how much she wants to help her son. She has never complained throughout these years.
She admits that she didn’t even know what autism meant, but this didn’t stop her from seeking specialized help, not isolating her son, and having the courage to confront the gazes of people who don’t understand her affection. Every time she feels it’s very difficult to continue, she finds the strength by looking into his eyes. Adrian is her motivation, and her love for him is stronger than any obstacle.
Now Adrian is 9 years old and receives support through kinetotherapy services and therapeutic intervention on all areas of development at the Child Heart Recovery Center. The mother is happy to see every little progress, especially now that he is more peaceful, concentrates better, has managed to replace some behaviors with others that are socially accepted, and has increased his mobility, being much more coordinated in movements.
Their story is a story of courage, determination, and unconditional love. It is a story that shows us how important it is to have people like Daniela and Adrian in our lives, who demonstrate that we should never give up, no matter how difficult the situation.
Anastasia from Ukraine, a mother of two children
Anastasia is a fighter and has been independent since she was young. Despite the difficulties she faces, she manages to be a mother and father to her 11-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son. She also takes care of her seriously ill mother. They all lived in Odessa before the war started. It was hard for them then, but they were happy because they were together. At home. Last year, in April, she heard the first rocket land not far from her house.
“I ran terrified into the children’s room, carrying them asleep as they were, to the safest room, the bathroom, and dressed them. After the second rocket hit, seeming even closer, I gathered my courage and ran to the improvised shelter underground. I only thought of my children, who were getting more and more terrified. Then I decided we had to leave,” said Anastasia.
She had never been abroad before. But now things were too serious because it was a matter of her family’s life and safety. In front of her was a country she knew nothing about and no one, and behind her was a war that was claiming more and more victims.
“I will never forget how hard my children cried on the way.” When we arrived in Brăila, she understood that she wouldn’t see her home and loved ones again soon. She had to manage in a foreign country.
Now, Anastasia feels that life has gained meaning. “I found the material and moral support we needed to recover at the Foundation. My son is now in kindergarten, my daughter participates in all sorts of activities, and my mother receives the treatment she needs.”
During the months spent here, Anastasia realized that life did not stop for her family. She remembers with emotion the challenges she faced to see her two children and mother safe. “Since we arrived here, we have lived so many beautiful moments, but also so many difficult ones. However, the fact that we are together and healthy makes everything worthwhile.
Maria, a mother of eight children
“Last year, I had the opportunity to meet Maria,” said the family’s social worker. “I went to their home to include one of the family’s daughters in a scholarship project we have. Initially, I didn’t know the family or the children, but I was impressed by the garden full of beautifully arranged flowers, the clean yard and house. I learned that the family has eight children, the oldest being 13 years old.”
Their new, well-maintained home was built with the help of the community in a summer after the family had collected construction materials for a few years prior. When I entered the house, I was greeted by a family where the children were surprisingly calm and well-behaved. Although the children were home, they did not disturb us, with the older ones taking care of the younger ones. The husband is a driver for passenger transport and is away all day, so he cannot help much. Maria has very busy days. “I wake up at 5 in the morning, prepare something for the children to eat before they go to school. At 7, the older ones are ready to go to school, and the younger ones stay at home. Then I prepare lunch, feed the animals, and clean. At around 3, I start baking cakes and pastries for events, to bring home some extra income.” Known for making such good pastries, she has orders most of the time.
We were impressed by Maria’s dedication and passion for her family and what she does. The family is an example of solidarity and unity, where each member contributes to the well-being of others. They teach their children to respect the values and traditions of the family, and this is reflected in their behavior and education.
Maria’s involvement in raising her children and supporting the family financially is admirable in an unfriendly rural environment with few job opportunities, and it is an example for anyone who wants to strengthen their values and teach their children to have a solid education.
Although life has tried you in countless ways, although you have shed oceans of tears and knelt in pain, you have always risen stronger for me, the child the center of your universe.
Happy Mother’s Day, mother-hero!
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