Libby

A 15 year old mother-to-be took drugs. After the child was born, she abandoned him on the stairs of a relative who couldn’t themselves take care of the child. Eventually the child made its way to the center to be cared for. Now the boy, Siabulela (aka Libby), is four years old and has mental and physical disabilities because of his mom’s drug use during pregnancy. He has a beautiful smile and laugh. He loves to clap and bounce up and down to clapping or music. He can’t eat very solid food and has to be fed by someone. His verbal skills are minimal and can only make noises. We love him dearly, he is amazing. He is peaceful when the rest of the kids are chaotic.

At the same time we are lost in how to care for him best. Though Sara took a class in inclusive education, the class contains as much information as most education classes…minimal. If anyone has any help on how to include or care for Libby, any advice is helpful. He is often left in a room by himself in a makeshift crib for the majority of the day. We have tried to include him in activities, or at least bring him outside, hold him, talk to him. Every morning when Sara changes his diaper contains the most (sorry to be a little graphic but maybe someone has advice on this) odor filled urine I’ve ever smelled and is in quantities that I’ve never seen. I was thinking it may be because of the lack of water or liquid in his diet and ultimately is dehydration, but maybe it has something to do with the lack of absorption in his digestive track? Just thoughts. It breaks our hearts to not know what to do, not know how to make it any better. We are going to look into investing in a wheelchair he can grow into as we’re not sure he’ll ever be able to walk. He currently is put into a walker that is far too small for him. Prayers and advice would much be appreciated in regards to wonderful Libby.