Zandile Update

It has been almost two months since I saw Zandile last. With exams and then holidays we have been unable to make it out to visit her, until now.

I went to spend some time with her on Monday and she was the most responsive I have ever seen her. In fact she smiled at me for the first time ever. This may seem insignificant, but just to know that she recognises you and that she can express her emotions is a HUGE step in the right direction. My day was made.

However, on a sad note, her special wheelchair is broken and she is being held onto it by being tied to it with a jersey. This is not ideal at all and not the way anyone should have to live. The caregiver says they are only expecting to get another chair in 2015. That's 2 YEARS. Hopefully we can try and make a plan. On top of this, because of her spasms her right hand flies towards her face and she is now cutting the side of face, even with short nails. She has scars all over the right side of her face that weren't there before. This is concerning and I suggested that they should put a soft glove on her hand while she sleeps so that she cannot cut herself.

So this is just an update. I am hoping that the next semester bring more progress and development with her and with our relationship with her.