Known as a calm child, Vladislav suddenly started to make some sounds. He seemed to feel some pain but had no strength to cry. He might have been disturbed by some visitors in his room or by some sort of physical discomfort. A gentle touch failed to calm him down. Vladislav did not pay any attention to a musical toy.
I came closer to Vladislav over and over again before I finally realized what the matter was. This child was vigorously trying to get up in his bed all this time! This big wish has basically nothing to do with standing on his feet but at least to sit so he would not feel chained to his bed.
Vladislav has recently started his massage courses. The therapist believes that the boy is pretty promising. If Vladislav is not destined to walk he still has a chance to sit in his wheelchair and go out much more often thanks to massages.
We don’t cherish the simplest things as long as we are healthy. We sometimes do not feel like getting out from bed because of our hard working day. We have to face our boring or sometimes also hectic daily routine. As soon as we are bedridden we finally realize what a hell this “calm” life is. It is hell to have no ability to do everything you used to do easily just yesterday like going to the kitchen or going outside, or drinking a glass of water. A simple short visit to the rest room is a real nightmare. The only thing one dreams about at this moment is to be able to get up.
When I saw and heard the way Vladislav tried to get up in his bed I realized that this was not just an attempt to rise but a real struggle for life. However, Vladislav won’t be able to achieve anything more without someone’s support. He needs someone who would care for him every day. It is not only a masseur in the orphanage. It is his loving Mom and Dad who will help him to develop his limited abilities and reach his goals.
If you are interested in adopting, please read the memo to the potential adoptive parents, guardians, and foster parents; you can also contact Children’s Affairs' service of the Zaporozhia State Administration by telephone (061) 239-01-56.
Other children who dream of finding a family
If for some reason you are currently not able to adopt (for example, you are a student and do not have a family of your own yet) you are still able to help children at a boarding school (an orphanage with your financial support. Ways you can help include: planning and participating in excursions and trips for children; visiting a child in an orphanage; or helping purchase developmental toys, books, construction sets, and sports equipment.
