Tamuna

Tamuna was born in 1994. At the time, there was no awareness, no support – no one was able to tell us what to do with our child's diagnosis of cerebral palsy. We were living in Abkhazia during the war, the doctors lacked knowledge and experience, so for years, we lived in uncertainty, with fear and hope.

 

After many treatments, Tamuna took her first steps at the age of 4. That first time she just stood for 5 seconds, but for me, it was a life-changing moment. Slowly, she began to walk. Step by step, imperfectly, but she kept moving – and so, like that, step by step, we moved forward.

 

When I took her to school, we faced resistance everywhere. She began first grade with no problems; her classmates stood by her side and supported her. But she was prevented from moving into the next grade because the teacher said that she was too disruptive. Unfortunately, I listened. Maybe, if there was inclusive learning then, or even if I had the knowledge I have now, Tamuna would have finished school.

 

Things changed for the better in 2010, when a therapy center opened in Gardabani. Tamuna was 17 years old then and as soon as the head of the center heard about the journey we had had, immediately said, “You are the exact kind of person that we need here.”

 

I started working as a cleaner there and gradually I was promoted to an educator, and eventually to coordinator. Meanwhile, I got to watch my daughter grow and develop in front of my eyes. I wasn’t anxious anymore – I knew where she was and who was caring for her.

 

Tamuna is 33 years old now. To this day she still goes to the center. It’s here where she feels comfortable. She’s independent. In the morning she wakes up on her own, washes her face, puts on her clothes, tidies her room. She brings out the food on her own and cleans up after eating. She loves cleanliness, structure, and…she loves me being close.

 

What I want to tell other parents —

 

Don’t listen to those people who tell you there is no point in fighting – there is always something to fight for.

 

Don’t hide your children – have fun with them, explore with them.

 

Children don’t just need therapy – they need connection, engagement, and to feel truly alive.

 

This has been our journey. It began with fear but it’s filled with love and hope. And today, Tamuna smiles more than ever. Those smiles are our shared victory.