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Shoebox Stories

Ana and her mum live in a region of Belarus close to Chernobyl where many still deal with the effects of the disaster there even 25 years on.  Ana has cerebral palsy but the first thing I noticed about her was her smile - so full of life as she clutched the shoebox full of gifts she had just received.  Not only was this a special Christmas gift for her but was timed perfectly for her 7th birthday the next day.  

It has been a difficult year for Ana and her mum.  Earlier this year her father died after a long illness.  Ana an her mum now live with her grandma as they have to survive on welfare payments since Ana’s mum is unable to work and look after Ana full time.  Ana is still in kindergarten as her cerebral palsy means that she struggles with school work she but hopes to go to school next year which would mean that her mum would be able to return to work as a cook.  

But Ana still enjoys life.  She enjoyed telling me about the chickens and ducks at her Baboushka’s home that she loves to help feed (and she loves to chase them too!).  She likes to jump and dance and she enjoys cartoons too, especially Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Ariel.  And she loves the many gifts she received in her shoebox.  Her favourite was the doll.  Thank you from Ana.

Words and pictures by Faith Spinks