The hope of the hopeless

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Upon glimpsing the word "hope," my mind wandered back to December 25th 2007, the year I graduated from university. It was during this time that I ventured to Kaduna to celebrate the holiday season with my family. Little did I know, that day would forever be etched in the memories of those in my neighborhood.

In the vicinity lived a woman affectionately referred to as Aunty Nurse, a mother of six children, with only two sons, Emmanuel and Ifeanyichukwu, surviving. Ifeanyichukwu, a bright and handsome boy of about eight years, and Emmanuel, aged twelve, filled their home with youthful exuberance.

Tragedy struck on Christmas Day of that year. As the brothers made their way to church, fate intervened cruelly. While attempting to cross the road, a speeding car struck Ifeanyichukwu on the his head, leaving him lifeless and in a coma. News of the accident spread like wildfire, drawing the sorrowful gaze of the entire community. Tears flowed freely as the gravity of Ifeanyichukwu's condition sank in and he was rushed to the hospital but the chief doctor rejected him saying to other staff "no need accepting him, he can't make it".

In a desperate bid for hope, Ifeanyichukwu's mother, drawing upon her nursing background, rushed him to St. Garage Hospital. Despite being met with grim prognoses from the medical staff, she refused to accept defeat. Armed with a sewing needle and unwavering faith, she administered first aid, stitching her son's battered head and face.

The hospital staff, though moved by her determination, could not help but pity her, knowing the pain of past losses she had endured. Through her tears, she repeated the meaning of Ifeanyichukwu's name: "With God, all things are possible." Her steadfast belief in divine intervention fueled her resolve.

Meanwhile, Ifeanyichukwu's father, Mr. Innocent, wept uncontrollably, clutching Emmanuel close as they returned home, clinging to hope amidst despair. As the days unfolded, the entire neighborhood held its breath, praying for a miracle for young Ifeanyichukwu.

Because I knew her history and that Aunty Nurse was a good woman, I followed them to the hospital. Ifeanyi was rushed to Chika Specialist Hospital in Zaria. Upon arrival, he was rejected by the white doctors. Aunty Nurse confidently asserted, "Doctors don't reject my Ifeanyichukwu, for God is not man. He told me that I will not bury any of my children anymore. I believe in God's word, so my son will live again."

One of the doctors, moved by sympathy, said, "Madam, since you insist, deposit N50,000. Let's try our luck and see if your faith will bring him back." As they commenced treatment, Ifeanyi was already on oxygen. While assessing the severity of the head injury, the doctor said, "Madam, please allow this boy to rest. Even if he survives, he may not be able to talk, as his brain is damaged." Aunty Nurse responded, "Do your part, for my God is able to do all things."

Ifeanyichukwu remained in a coma for three weeks. On the fourth week, he opened his eyes but could neither talk nor see. Tears flowed from his eyes. He managed to move his hand slightly. The hospital's chief consultant said to Aunty Nurse, "You are a nurse, yet you are subjecting this little boy to suffering. Don't you realize the consequences of raising a child with such disabilities?" She responded, "Doctor, you are not his maker. Don't jump to conclusions."

I was regularly visiting the hospital, and people were going there to visit Ifeanyi, who became the topic of discussion and prayer among those who knew him. Upon returning to the hospital after a month, I witnessed Ifeanyi starting to move his body, which instilled hope even in those of us with little faith, as we began to recognize the signs of a miracle taking place. Encouraged, I found the strength to call upon God to complete what he had started.

Two months later, Ifeanyi responded positively to treatment, uttering his first word, "mummy," which prompted his mother to sing and praise God. This astonished and confounded the doctors, some of whom were skeptical of miracles. Ifeanyichukwu recovered after many surgery, and their story was even covered by the press. The nurse, previously known as "Aunty Nurse," was renamed "Aunty Hope"

Upon Ifeanyi's discharge, the doctors at Chika Hospital, overcome with excitement, contributed money, paying more than half of his hospital bill, and thanked Aunty Nurse for demonstrating the power of God.

Upon Ifeanyichukwu's return home, all those who saw him gave thanks to Almighty God. The happiest moment was when Ifeanyi resumed schooling after six months, reclaiming his position as an honor student and earning the first position as usual. His school, immensely proud of him, awarded him a scholarship.

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