Nyasha and Mary-Anne Mhizha
Network Engineer and Facilities Administrator
Age of parents:
30 and 27
Age: 4 Years
Is this your only child?
Diagnosis of child:
Cerebral Palsy. Spastic Quadriplegic.
What are the biggest challenges facing your child on a daily basis?
Tyler is 4 and cant sit on his own yet. He gets very frustrated when he can’t do certain things. He is completely dependent on us, for everything. His needs are of a small baby. We have developed our own unique way of communicating, which is helping and making it a bit easier to understand his needs.
What are the happiest moments you have with your child on a daily basis
Seeing his big beautiful smile everyday when I come home from work, he gets soo excited and want’s to come over and give me a big kiss. It melts my heart to see how much he loves us.
Are you married?
Has your special needs child had an effect on your marriage?
This has affected both of us but in different ways. My husband is more positive, I worry a lot, I worry about what the future holds for us and for Tyler. I wonder if we are doing enough for him? Will we always be there to take care of him?
My husband and I could use some more time together, just the two of us. Tyler is the focus at the moment with all our time and energy going into him.
Tyler has also brought us together in unimaginable ways as well, we have been through so much together. Through the highs and the lows, we support and love each other.
Are your family and friends supportive?
I have a very supportive family but they live thousands of kilometres away, this has really affected me at times (the hardest part of living in a foreign country, is the lack of support). It gets lonely at times. I don’t have as much time or energy to nurture and maintain friendships here. I am not really a taker, when I’m stressed or down. This keeps me from seeming weak to others but it also closes me off from making new friends.
What has your child taught you about yourself, both positively and negatively?
Patience and how much love I’ve got in me to give. I appreciate the things in life that most people take for granted. Tyler has also taught me that no matter how hard it is, put a smile on your face and trust that things will get better.
Do you take time out, if so what do you do to relax?
Can’t remember the last time I had a few hours to myself.
What has made the biggest difference to your child’s quality of life?
His special chair has been a great help and its really improving his posture and head control.
What is your dream for your child?
I pray and hope Tyler grows up healthy and happy, that Tyler reaches his full potential and does as much as he can with his life. I pray for the gift of life so that we can continue this journey together with him.