Despite facing numerous challenges, Railala Cavu is striving to do her best to help support her family.
Cavu’s mother, Ledua Kau, volunteered to tell her story because Cavu is speech impaired.
Ms Kau said Cavu was just a year old when she pulled a boiling pot of water on herself.
“She got severely burnt, especially her hand, legs and few fingers got deformed,” Ms Kau said.
She said the doctors told her that due to the deep impact this incident had left on her daughter, it would take a long time for her to be normal again.
As Cavu grew older, the family noticed she could not speak or comprehend things as other children her age could.
“A Filipino doctor told us Cavu had gone through extreme shock, causing difficulty in her speech, but assured the family that with time, she would be just like any other normal young woman. However, we’re still waiting for that day as Cavu is now 46 and a single mother-of-two.”
Life is not easy for the family, but Cavu is not giving up. She takes her partially deaf impaired daughter to school and stays there the whole day waiting for her.
On other days she tries to help around the house or sells vegetables in the market.
“Nothing is impossible if one places faith in God. Despite so many struggles, we are together as a family and handling everything head on.”
Cavu was selling vegetables in the market while her sick daughter slept nearby. Though she was doing her best to attend to the customers, it was apparent how much she depended on her mother where communication and money were concerned.
“It is very difficult for her to comprehend things. We must talk slowly and clearly for her which is tiring and frustrating. She is extremely hard working and wants to help in everything we do from house chores to selling vegetables, but unfortunately I can’t delegate her to cook and wash as she is not able to do these properly.”
Cavu is cheerful with a ready smile for everyone, but only she knows the frustration and helplessness she feels. On top of this, she has the responsibility of two children on her shoulders and cannot depend on her mother forever.
Cavu and her children live with the extended family at Makoi in Nasinu. The bond and resilience of this family is amazing and a life lesson to many. Instead of criticising and judging your children, be their support and strength.