The Story of Vimala Shrestha: A Mother’s Struggles and Her Son’s Challenges

Vimala Shrestha, who married inter-caste in Dubai and settled in Ilam, delivered her son prematurely at six and a half months via cesarean section after contracting a urinary tract infection during pregnancy. Her son was diagnosed with cataracts and retinal problems, resulting in blindness, partial hearing loss, and physical developmental delays. Amid her husband’s alcoholism and financial difficulties, Vimala has been caring for her son while working part-time to sustain their life. The home was overshadowed by hardship.

As days grew harder in poverty, Vimala left her home and traveled to Dubai on a labor visa. While there, she fell in love with a young man and married him inter-caste. After marriage, she returned to Ilam with her husband and began a new chapter in life. During her sixth month of pregnancy, she suddenly suffered a urinary tract infection. Noticing burning and blood in her urine, she sought treatment at a health post. Tests confirmed the infection, and medication was prescribed. However, that same night, her water broke leading to uncontrolled leakage.

The next day, she visited Ilam Hospital but had to go to Manmohan Community Hospital in Jhapa for an ultrasound. The scan confirmed there was no amniotic fluid. Since the infection threatened the baby’s health, a cesarean delivery was necessary. As the baby’s lungs were underdeveloped, steroids were administered to accelerate development, and delivery had to proceed within 24 hours. Vimala delivered her prematurely born baby by surgery at six and a half months. The infant’s weight was below expectations and he was placed in the NICU for several days. They brought him home ten days after birth.

The child appeared normal at first, but soon Vimala noticed a white spot in his eyes, which worsened over time. Two months later, she visited her maternal home in Ichangu Narayan but was unable to return due to the lockdown. After three months, her sister advised her to get the child examined thoroughly. Following this advice, Vimala took her son to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, where cataracts were suspected and doctors recommended eye surgery.

Vimala’s son is blind, has significant hearing impairment, cannot speak, and is unable to walk. Family conflicts surfaced as his health issues intensified. Her husband descended into alcohol addiction, and the household faced financial strain. Vimala had to care for both her child and her husband. In moments of anger, her husband even attempted to harm the child. Witnessing this, Vimala began staying with her maternal family. Now six years old, her son attends a special school.

Vimala personally takes him to and from school, where emphasis is placed on both physical and mental development. Near the school, she works part-time for a few hours daily. She expressed hope, saying, “There is hope to make my son’s future a bit easier.”

The boy is attempting to walk little by little, and therapy is ongoing. Despite all difficulties brought on by her child’s condition, a mother can never be heartless. This is the fate that has come into Vimala’s life.