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| Ava Benedict Photo Credit: Quotes-center.com |
Nothing could have prepared Dr. Ava Benedict for her encounter with Kyla’s parents a day after finding out that the infant had cerebral palsy.
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| Ava Benedict Photo Credit: http://cerebralpalsylawyersfaq.com |
“Doctor, are you going to tell me that my daughter is dying?” said Kyla’s mother. My response didn’t equate to the idea of death but I informed the parents about Kyla’s deterioration due to cerebral palsy. After a few minutes, Kyla’s father surprised me with a question, “Doctor, will we be able to love her? Will she be able to love us?” To which I replied, “Yes. Parental love is unconditional and infinite. Kyla will love you as much as any other child.”
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| Ava Benedict Photo Credit: passionateaboutphotography.stockshop.com |
Kyla’s mom then asked, “Dr. Ava Benedict, will our daughter be able to bake cakes? Our family runs a bake shop and I want her to be a part of it.” Before I was able to utter a wordutter a word, the father said, “If our daughter can live the same life we have, we will be alright. We have plans for her.”
I couldn’t believe how I misjudged Kyla’s parents just because they were too young to have a baby. I have encountered many families who love their children too much that they are willing to say goodbye. But Kyla’s parents were different. They were hopeful. They wished that Kyla would live longer so she could experience love and a normal life amid her condition.
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