Mother’s Day is a celebration of the unconditional love and sacrifices made by mothers around the world.
Fadia Reynolds and her son Uriel in happier times
For Fadia Reynolds, a mother, today and every day is a poignant reminder of the loss of her beloved son. He was taken from her in the prime of his life.
THE MIRACLE CHILD: A BOND BEYOND WORDS
Fadia’s son, Uriel Orlando Reynolds, was fondly referred to as the “miracle child.”
When Uriel was born, he was declared stillborn. I heard them [medical personnel] calling the mortuary to come and collect my baby. My baby could have gone to the mortuary and died there.
Against all odds, Uriel emerged into the world as a beacon of hope and love. From his earliest days, he captivated Fadia’s heart with his introverted charm and innate curiosity.
I held a special bond to that child all his life. I never favoured him over his bigger brother, but he was my baby boy. He was into electronics from a little child and always fixing something.
A LIFE CUT SHORT: NAVIGATING GRIEF AND LOSS
On January 12, 2021, fate dealt Fadia a cruel hand as Uriel died in an accident on the Madewini Public Road, Soesdyke Linden Highway.
Uriel Orlando Reynolds
According to reports, Uriel, 31, was crushed to death when the minibus he was driving was hit from behind by an alleged speeding motor pick-up.
The pain of the loss of her son reverberates through her words. She recounts the final moments she shared with him.
I was a happy mom before my son was taken away from me. I used to work with my son. He wasn’t just my son; he became my boss, also. I was a proud mother of both of my children. And then our world was crushed when he died.
The still-grieving mother recalled the day of her son’s funeral when she lost consciousness. She never regained consciousness until the following day, after which her son was already buried.
I miss my son very, very important day in his life. I never got to go to my son’s funeral, and because of that, I have no closure.
Amidst the darkness of grief, this mother finds solace in the memories they shared and the presence she still feels, albeit intangible.
A MOTHER’S RESILIENCE: FINDING STRENGTH IN MEMORIES
Despite the overwhelming grief that permeates her days, Fadia’s spirit remains unbroken. Through her dreams and the echoes of her son’s presence, she finds comfort and guidance.
I dream my son a lot. He is always there with me. I am battling several illnesses that stemmed out of my son’s death. My son is there in my dreams telling me what to buy to use, what is wrong with me. He is always there, and I have pleasant dreams of him. I feel his presence in my house. I don’t know how to move on from this, but being a brief mom is a very hard, hard thing.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, ThingsGuyana honour Fadia, who has been a beacon of strength and love in the face of unimaginable loss.
