in Touch
June 2014
P O Box 2212 Primrose 1416 South Africa Tel. +27(0) 11 609 7246 Fax +27(0) 11 452 4560 Email: info@littleeden.org.za www.littleeden.org.za 001-827 NPO PBO 930/0000/03
Owamii enjoys O j spending di time i with i h music i therapist, h i M Marie-Victoire. i Vi i
Walking each other home H ave you come across that lovely quote by Ram Dass, “We’re all just walking each other home”? There are people in our lives – family members, partners, friends, colleagues, even strangers – who are our travel companions on our journey through life. Some walk with us for years, while others are with us for just a moment or two. Sometimes we need their help to get through a rough and rocky patch. At other times it is we who help others. Perhaps this is the answer to the question visitors to LITTLE EDEN often ask: “How are the staff able to love and care for such severely disabled children,
day after day?” We are simply walking with them on their journey home. And – not surprisingly – they also enrich our own journey. They teach us patience, and humble us with their cheerful acceptance of a life we might consider unbearable. They give us joyful smiles that warm our hearts, and genuine affection. It is a privilege to walk through life beside them. And it’s a privilege you share, as one of our generous supporters. Thank you for helping to walk these special ‘angels’ home. Your generous presence is felt, even if it is not seen – and it is a constant blessing.
Footprints in the snow … F Well, not quite, but little toes and fingers can feel like ice when you’re confined to a wheelchair or bed, unable to jump around to get circulation going. Please help us keep our family warm this winter, by dropping off any tracksuits, jerseys, jackets, scarves, beanies, socks and slippers in good condition that you no longer need. All sizes – from 3 years to adult – will be greatly appreciated.
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One journey ends . . . and another begins
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isitors to LITTLE EDEN over the years may remember Vuyani, the little boy with the very large head. He was one of the children at Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home with Dandy-Walker syndrome, which causes a build up of fluid in the brain. Despite being virtually immobile and having to spend every day in a wheelchair, Vuyani had a very sweet nature and was a firm favourite with staff and visitors alike. Over the years, his condition gradually worsened. He had an operation to have stents put in to drain the fluid, but to no avail – Vuyani’s journey through life ended in January this year. At the time of his death, Vuyani was being sponsored by one of our generous Adopt an Angel supporters. This kind gentleman is continuing his special support and now sponsors four-year old Khaya, who was admitted to LITTLE EDEN in January. Khaya, who has cerebral palsy and cerebral atrophy, was abandoned by his mother at the hospital. He was put up for adoption but because of his disability, he was not adopted. He was placed in an orphanage before finding a permanent home with us. Khaya cannot walk and can only say a few words. But he’s very friendly and always rushes to greet
Vuyani (left) and Khaya (above) have been ‘adopted’ by the same child sponsor. visitors who come to Green Wing, hoping to charm them into picking him up. If you would like to Adopt an Angel, please contact us. We’ll help you choose a boy or girl with no family of their own to love them. In return for your regular monthly contribution towards their care, you get a photograph and details of ‘your’ angel on a special Certificate of Appreciation – and you are welcome to visit and interact with them, especially on their birthday.
In memory of those who have made their way home
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eath is very much part of life at LITTLE EDEN. The nature of their disabilities means that many of our children will not have long lives. But thanks to friends like you, their lives will be filled with all the love, laughter, comfort and care they need. In a peaceful corner behind the Wall of Remembrance at Elvira Rota Village, you’ll find the new ‘Love & Care’ Fountain. Built in the shape of a heart, the gentle trickle of water as it runs over the bottom edge, provides a tranquil environment for family, friends and staff to remember residents like Vuyani who have passed on. And the caring does not end when they die. Each child’s memory lives on in quiet spaces like this, as well as at Our Lady of the Angels chapel at Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home. Staff find comfort in knowing that these special ‘angels’ are in heaven, where there is no more pain, and spirits soar joyfully to meet our Lord.
Concrete tiles donated by Lacotta. 2
Diary Dates 14 Sept:
Family fun day at Elvira Rota Village 21 & 22 Nov : Christmas Concert at Domitilla and Danny Hyams Home 28 & 29 Nov : Christmas Concert at Elvira Rota Village Please visit our web site www.littleeden.org ..za for more information and up dates on these events.
“You are not your legs”
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hese are the words a colleague used to cheer up Elvira Rota Village resident, Candy, after steadily worsening pain in her hips and legs forced her to start using a wheelchair. Candy, who has lived at LITTLE EDEN almost all her life, is one of our higher functioning residents and enjoys participating in all the activities on the farm, especially the annual concert. Realising that she would not be able to jump and dance alongside her friends this year left her feeling sad and withdrawn. We managed to convince Candy that you do not stop living, or stop being who you are, just because you have physical limitations. You are still the same person inside, and your friends will still love you for who you are. If they are true friends, they will accommodate your disability so that you can continue to share the fun with them.
Crossing C rossing oceans to w walk alk lk ffor or a whil while hile bbeside esid de our residents – volunteers (left) Clémence and Hélène, who hail from France, are pictured with Elvira Rota Village resident, Sergio. Hélène and Sergio share an especially lovely, giggly bond – there is no doubt about the genuine affection these two have for one another.
Anyone for ‘walkies’? S
asha, the farm dog, is only too happy to walk with you, wherever you may be going! Like all the animals at Elvira Rota Village, Sasha has been specially chosen for her friendly, calm and gentle nature. Although she’s playful and frisky, she also sits like a statue when the residents stroke her head. Interaction with animals – who never judge and don’t care if you can’t walk or talk properly – helps lessen anxiety and build self esteem among children with disabilities. And it’s fun too!
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ELVIRA ROTA VILLAGE NEWS
Put your best foot forward F
oot care is an important routine at LITTLE EDEN, since inactive people with spastic limbs and poor circulation often experience problems in thiss area. Their compromised immune system and close living conditions also make the residents prone to infections like athlete’s foot. At Elvira Rota Village, everyone gathers in a circle for their weekly foot spa, nail care and massage, followed by skin cream and a sprinklingg of anti-fungal powder. On bright days, this activity takes place outside, giving everyone the chance to sit and enjoy the sunshine while they wait their turn.
Weekly pedi - Elvira Rota Village style!
We are living on a farm, E-I-E-I-O . . . and on that farm we have some . . . LIONS! So says Xolani, the smallest member of the music therapy group, as he lets out his loudest roar. Singing Old MacDonald at Elvira Rota Village is great fun, with everyone sitting round in a circle taking turns to name an animal and – if they want to and are able to – going into the middle of the circle when it’s their turn and acting like the animal. While the more outgoing children enjoy flapping around like a chicken, or getting down on all fours to be a cow, the quieter ones giggle helplessly at their antics. The repetition of the words and sounds makes it possible for everyone to join in even if they don’t remember the song, and shyness and inhibitions are quickly forgotten amid the singing, shouting and laughing. If you ever wonder how much your ongoing support means, treat yourself to a morning at one of our music therapy sessions . . . you’ll feel your Joe gets ready to do his chicken impersonation. spirits lift, and you might just find yourself singing along too!
Who said anything about disability? We’re all champions here! Setting up the tin can tower . . . aiming to topple it . . . and that winning feeling, with volunteer, Dicky Kurniawan – it was all part of our recent Sports Day at Elvira Rota Village.
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