Eight-year-old Esri Botes is her family’s miracle baby who inspires them to live every second of their lives to the fullest.
Her mother, Yolande, had some complications while she was pregnant with Esri, her second child.
The RECORD spoke to the Botes family to find out what exactly happened and how the community can assist them.
Birth complications
“We had some complications before birth as Esri had a stroke while I was pregnant with her. This was only discovered when she was about four months old,” said Yolande.
Esri was diagnosed with Hemiplegia (mild cerebral palsy). According to information on Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association, hemiplegia is a type of cerebral palsy that results from damage to the part (hemisphere) of the brain that controls muscle movements.
This damage may occur before, during or shortly after birth. The term hemiplegia means that the paralysis is on one vertical half of the body.
“This only happens to 1 out of 1 000 children. Hemiplegia is a condition that affects one side of the body and in Esri’s case, it affects the left side of her body. There is also deplegia where both legs are affected or quadriplegia where both arms and legs and even part of your face can be affected,” Yolande explained.
The new normal
“The immature brain is very flexible and many of the functions of the damaged area can be taken over by undamaged parts of the brain. To develop this, she needs intense therapy.
“After being told that Esri will never walk or do things like other children, my husband, Renier, and I decided we will do everything to help Esri.”
They said that they were well aware that it is not going to be easy, but it is going to help improve their daughter’s life.
“At the end, it will all be worth it. We stood together and all we needed was faith the size of a mustard seed,” said the couple.
Reaching milestones
“We are proud to say that Esri started to sit on her own when she was about 18-months-old and started walking when she was about two.
“Blessings and miracles from our Father and a wonderful physiotherapist Rachel Oberholzer who has now emigrated.”
She said the neurologist confirmed that her tongue needs extra therapy as her tongue was the part that was mostly affected by the stroke and she would need specialised treatment for her to be able to speak.
Yolande said that Esri still tries to do everything her friends do, but she ends up frustrated because it takes more effort for her to do things that other children can naturally do.
“She is still learning and it takes a lot of practice to do certain things. She gets frustrated, but she never gives up. She will keep on going on until she gets it right,” said Yolande.
“After many discussions, considerations, making sums and sleepless nights, we decided to put Esri in Care Junction Education in Rosebank. There she is among children the same as her and OT’s, speech therapists on-site, and we can definitely see a huge difference and she is now saying some words and even sentences. This was the best decision ever.”
A day in Esri’s life
Esri’s day starts early and she wakes up nothing later than 05:30 each morning with a big smile.
“Routine is very important as she, unfortunately, cannot handle change as it makes her feel insecure – so we keep to the same routine,” said her mother.
Esri then leaves home with her grandmother and brother at 06:50. After dropping Dante off they are on their way to Rosebank.
“Even at school they follow the same routine starting with a language ring first thing where they sing, count and say poems in the morning and Esri loves singing so she enjoys it so much even when she is upset we just sing.
Baby Shark, Head Shoulder Knees and Toes are some of her favourites and we must not forget the happy birthday song.”
At school, she receives speech therapy and occupational therapy and once a week enjoys Music Box, she loves her friends and going to school. Even over the weekend she constantly refers to school.
Esri arrives home after 15:00 and then she will be waiting at the gate for her brother so that they can go and jump on the trampoline and play.
She loves water, so bath time is no effort for her and she will be in the pool the whole day if she could.
“Esri loves noodles and biltong and she will eat ice cream every day.”
Her day ends nothing later than 20:00.
Good days and bad days
“We are really a special family, blessed to have each other. We do everything together, it was not easy to adjust but we decided that we will do everything that is best for everyone.
“It was tough, but we will do it over and over, Dante had to be a big brother and we are so proud of him. He protects and helps Esri doesn’t matter what he is busy with, he is Esri’s hero. Their love for each other is something we cannot describe.”
Dante also spoils her a lot. He knows exactly how to calm her down and she knows how to get Dante to give her some attention.
“Some days are very difficult and we feel down, but then Esri will notice it and give us hugs and that smile makes everything just right. She is very lovable and a happy child,” Yolande added.
Esri is blessed with wonderful parents Renier and Yolande, a big brother Dante, grandma, Esther and many other angels.
Esri’s Cookies for Christmas
They are selling cookies to raise funds for all Esri’s medical needs and also to be able to pay her school fees, which are very expensive due to everything Esri needs being in one place. The petrol price is also a big concern.
“We often do projects, anything to have fun and just to help with the funds. We do special gifts for all special days like Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and cookies especially for teachers gifts and Christmas. This extra income is used to help with the extra expenses.
“We decided that we also want to help others so we get all the different items or eats from suppliers who we then help to grow their businesses and also make a little bit extra. We work hard but do it with love.
“Our next big project is Esri’s Cookies for Christmas. These are neatly packed in a plastic container with a ribbon and a photograph of Esri and sell at R100 per kilogram.”
Those interested in supporting Esri may contact her mother on 082 928 9310.
Thank you
Esri’s parents want to thank grandma Esther for everything she is doing for Esri.
“You will never hear her complain. There’s no way we will ever be able to say thank you enough. Thank you Dante for being so special. We are also thankful for the people of Alberton, the companies, family, friends and our church family that help us to make such a success of every project we do. Thank you so much.
“Esri is loved and treasured by many people, we believe with all the necessary treatment she will be telling her story one day and make a difference wherever her story will take her.
“Thank you to each and everyone for making a difference today in Esri’s life, you are one of Esri’s angels that is part of her story,” Yolande concluded.
