Mom's anguish at child's death
2006-09-26 08:52
Port Elizabeth - A young Port Elizabeth mother described over the weekend her battle to come to terms with the death of her four-year-old daughter and unborn child in devastating floods which hit the region earlier this year.
"The only thing that keeps me going every day is the fact that I can still have children," said a sad Jolene Sampson, 28.
She maintains, however, that she's positive about the future, but is battling to work through the tragic circumstances about two months ago when her car was swept along the swirling waters of the Baakens River.
She and her husband Charl lost their four-year-old daughter Kayla and their unborn child in the disaster.
The accident happened in the early hours. Kayla's body was found in the river about six hours later.
"I battle to sleep, because the images keep repeating in my head, about disappearing below the water. One moment I still have Kayla in my arms and the next I can't find her anywhere."
Home filled with photographs, memories
Sampson is still living with her parents-in-law because she's not ready to face her own home filled with photographs and memories of Kayla and new baby bottles.
Charl believes a person isn't fulfilled without children. "We will try to have another child. Another child won't take Kayla's place, but we can give him or her just as much love and attention as we gave her."
Sampson said she sometimes still blamed herself for Kayla's death, even though she realised it hadn't been her fault. "I'll do anything to get her back, but at least I don't have to worry about the way I brought her up. She got all our love and attention and was a very happy child."
Sampson was allowed to go home on September 5 after treatment at Greenacres Hospital for, among others, a broken arm and pelvis.
Apart from her emotional struggle, she also faces physical and financial challenges. "I'm still battling to perform ordinary tasks in the home as a result of my injuries. I can't prepare food or do the washing and I'm still in considerable pain. "
Her hospital and doctors' fees amount to about R300 000 and the medical fund doesn't cover all the costs.
The Sampsons were upset about rumours that their marriage was floundering as a result of the trauma. "We were very upset about the rumours, because they're totally untrue. We're very close and Charl supports me a lot."