I was born and raised in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, as the eldest in my family. From a young age, I was a confident, strong, and adventurous girl—always eager to explore new places and embrace challenges head-on. As the elder daughter and sister, I naturally took on the responsibility of protecting and supporting my family. I was always active in school, participating in extracurricular activities, and nurtured a love for dancing and badminton. Many people often remarked that I embodied the strength and resilience typical of firstborn daughters, and I proudly embraced that identity.
In 2017, after my marriage, I moved to Goa, a place that many people dream of vacationing in. It was a new beginning, and I hoped it would be a peaceful chapter in my life. However, in September 2018, life took an unexpected turn. I experienced a preterm delivery, and my daughter was born prematurely. I was not prepared for the emotional and physical toll that would follow. On the day of her birth, I wasn’t able to see her, as she was taken to another hospital for immediate treatment. The pain of not being with my newborn daughter was indescribable. For 15 long days, I could only pray for her recovery. When I finally held her again, the joy I felt was beyond measure.
That night, I couldn’t speak to my mother or husband—I could only cry and pray. The next morning, we traveled to Delhi for treatment at AIIMS, one of the best hospitals in India. But by then, my daughter’s condition had progressed to its final stage, and there was nothing more the doctors could do. I was shattered.
Returning to Goa after six months, I tried to hold onto hope, believing that as parents, we could raise our daughter to be strong. But reality proved harsher. I encountered criticism from people who, instead of offering support, focused on the negative aspects of our situation. Some of them even remarked that the world is cruel, especially to girls, and that my daughter’s blindness would make her vulnerable. These comments haunted me for years, and slowly, I descended into a deep depression. I used to have nightmares. I would wake up in the middle of the night, terrified, shouting and screaming my daughter’s name, trembling and crying. I didn’t realize she was sleeping right next to me.
During this time, my husband remained my unwavering support, always encouraging me to stay strong and reminding me of who I truly was. Despite his constant support, one day, I saw him break down in tears. That was the moment I realized that my struggles were also affecting him. I knew then that I had to rise above my fears and anxieties—not just for my own sake, but for the well-being of my daughter and my family.
It took me three years to truly accept my daughter’s condition and find my strength again. I realized that if I wanted to raise a resilient child, I had to be a resilient mother. I embraced a new mindset—no matter what people said, I would face the challenges with pride and unwavering determination. I reconnected with my faith, prayed for strength, and gradually began to heal, finding joy in the small, everyday moments with my daughter as she grew stronger.
During this journey, I also realized that my own career aspirations were important. I had always wanted to work, but it wasn’t until after my daughter’s health stabilized that I found the courage to pursue my goals. In 2024, I joined Sunshine Worldwide School, a decision that has transformed my perspective. At Sunshine, I found a unique environment—one that is focused not on competition, but on nurturing each child’s individual journey. Here, I learned the importance of self-reflection and emotional healing. I recall one Saturday morning devotion led by Deepak Sir, where we were encouraged to confront our fears and forgive those who had hurt us. Letting go of that pain brought me a sense of peace and closure.
The school’s motto, “Live Unconditionally Happy,” resonated deeply with me. Every day, I strive to pass on this message to my students, encouraging them to face difficulties with courage and to understand that making mistakes is part of growth. At Sunshine, I continue to learn and evolve as an educator, committed to being the best version of myself and inspiring others.
Through this journey, I have learned to let go of the judgments of others. The opinions of those who criticize me for balancing my career with motherhood no longer affect me. I am happy to help parents who face similar challenges with children who have special needs, offering my support and understanding.
My journey has been one of profound transformation. From a young, adventurous girl to a mother facing unimaginable challenges, I’ve learned the power of resilience, faith, and self-acceptance. Every day, I strive to be the strong, confident woman I once was—for my daughter, for my family, school and for myself.
Thank You
-Sabrina O. Bartholomew
Beautifully penned! You a strong woman…Keep shining!
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