I am the father of my nine-year-old son Omofolawe Adebayo Kasali. They told me before he was born that something was different.
In that moment, fear tried to take over my heart. I wondered what kind of future my son would have. Omofolawe means a child who brings wealth and honor and that is exactly who he is.
From the very first day he was born, Omofolawe has been a fighter. At just a few months old, he had his first surgery, the closing of his back for Spina Bifida. It was done twice because of infection, some months after after we had another surgery for Hydrocephalus, which was also done twice because the shunt was blocked. So small, yet so strong. His scars tell a story of battles he won before he could even speak.
Some people said he will not live long, some said he would not sit, some said he would not go to school, some looked at his wheelchair and saw limitation. But they did not know who they were looking at.
At four years old, he lost his precious mother, but Omofolawe continued to wear the amour of strength and resilience. When I am tired and weary, he gives me the urge and strength to move on. His body lives with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, but his spirit lives in victory.
I remember his first day at school, he was so proud in his uniform. I remember how he smiled, I also remember nights when he is in pain, yet he still whispers, thank you Lord.
One day he asked me, “Daddy, why did God make me like this?”. I told him: “My son, God made you this way because He needed a special soldier who can prove to everyone around that He only is God, and also let people know that someone living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus can still live a normal life.”
My son does not walk like everyone else, but his faith moves mountains. He does not run like everyone else, but he is ready to run ahead and open doors.
He is only nine years old, but I let him understand that he is not a mistake, he is a child of grace and my hero, he is my greatest blessing.
In 2023, we met Festus Fajemilo Foundation (FFF), and this was where our fear and anxiety, which has to do with his incontinence was conquered. At FFF, we were introduced to continence clinics, physiotherapy and general knowledge about Spina bifida and Hydrocephalus was induced in us.
Today, Omofolawe is living the best of his life which is always the happiest moments of my life.