Emiso, my Nunu

Last summer as I first walked through the doors of the Respite Unit of the Hillcrest AIDS centre, my life was touched by a small Zulu boy named Emiso. He was terribly sick, but still managed to be a cheeky 5 year old boy. We quickly bonded and became the best of friends during my six weeks in the unit. Although I know only a few words in Zulu, we managed to develop a special relationship. As I would do rounds in the unit walking from patient to patient, Emiso was always at my side. He even became quite the gentleman, kissing me on my hand throughout the day! When I returned to Canada, Emiso was moved from the Respite Unit to Lily of the Valley, a home for children who have been orphaned or abandoned because of AIDS.

Yesterday, Ilan and I travelled to Lily of the Valley to see Emiso. I felt nervous but also excited to see him after nearly a year. We arrived to find him having his afternoon nap, but his house Mama woke him up from his peaceful sleep for us! Emiso was groggy and unresponsive at first, but after a biscuit and some fun presents, he perked up and became the Emiso I remembered and loved.

This past year, I struggled not really knowing if Emiso was well cared for. Not one day passed where he wasn't on my mind. All those worries were quickly dashed, as we saw the love that each child is given at Lily of the Valley. The children live in homes with five other children and one house Mama. They eat, sleep, play together as one family. It truly is a beautiful place, where children are able to be children and feel loved and cared for in a family of their own.

I left Emiso with tears in my eyes, hoping I'll see my Nunu again soon.