text: A child witnessing a major historical event. The winner for the under- 18 race competition for the South-western Nigeria competition is Dara Akin, the master of ceremony announced over the microphone again. She was sure she heard it the first time but her mind was fixed somewhere. In between the drifted moments, Dara tugged her mother, gazing at her with a puzzled look. Mum, I won the race showing off her set of beautiful teeth. She held in her hand the golden trophy. The trophy gleamed in the hot afternoon sun with red and blue ribbons adornment. It was indeed a sight to behold. First in what...? She wanted to say before her mind was welcomed back to the Inter- state racing competition. . Dara’s father was on a business trip and couldn’t make it time for the game. She had come to watch her daughter run. An opportunity presented itself and Dara was chosen to represent her state. When her consent was sought, she gave it between hope and despair. She didn’t know when she lost the consciousness of her environment. It all began when the whistle was blow. As usual, she had her eyes shut praying for her. Not necessarily to win but without any health complications. She just wants her girl to be fine. Different news reporters were there with their camera taking their shots as they posed with the trophy. They keep asking her how she managed to raise Dara to be strong. She told them her story, just as she told some people sometimes ago. She was always eager to share Dara’s story. She lied on the hospital bed. Her hands were cold out of fright. She hoped for a miracle for this child she was carrying. The stethoscope beeped indicating the presence of life as the doctor moved it over her bulging belly, however faintly. The doctor asked her to sit up while she broke the news to her. Your baby is not too fine. Her breathing pulse is weak and we have to perform an emergency... Before the doctor could finish her statement she was lost in despair. This pregnancy was her fourth’s, though the first to reach the third trimester. In the space of two years, she had lost three pregnancies before the onset of second trimester. The awfulness was second to none whenever she noticed the thick warm reddish liquid trickling down her thighs. More saddening is the evacuation of the remains. She watched gloomily as the remains were disposed as trash. She wished she could open her mouth and pass the breath of life to it. But was she God? Slowly she fell into depression blaming her- self for working so hard she hardly had time to rest. The self loathing spread like wild fire cutting deep to every part of her. When her husband noticed it, he took her on a vacation. On returning, life returned to her and then it happened! This time, she became conscious of all her activities. She never missed her checkups, maintaining a healthy diet for her baby. And now an emergency caesarean section without prior plans. She asked for a moment to call her husband. Without further delay, the doctor prepared her for surgery. She was cut open to save her baby. In less than a hour, her baby arrived- weak, tiny and fragile but she loved her. The baby was moved to the intensive unit of the hospital where she was attended to till she was of age. Her joy knew no bounds. She clutched her baby in her arms while her husband held her bags as they made a visit to the doctor’s office for the final check-up. However the joy was short-lived- Your baby has a weak heart. She will take a while for her to reach her milestones. But she will eventually. As she grows do well to check her. Drugs and other supplements will be given to you... She didn’t let the doctor complete her statement before she dashed out in anger. Her husband apologised on her behalf. Immediately he followed her demanding for the reason for her irrational move. In between tears, she replied pointing her hands back to the doctor’s office I will not sit there while this doctor keeps giving me no hope. Was she bent on frustrating me? Her husband having understood her gave her an embrace. He whispered in her ears- she will be fine and we will too. Together they both cared for Dara. Gradually she hit her milestones without much complication. Soon she was able to attend pre-school. At the end of the pre-schooling session, the teacher’s report on extra-curricular activities reads- she loves running. Immediately, her mother put a call to the school with strict warnings never to allow her participate in any extra-curricular activities. She promised to sue the school if such came to her notice again. Thus Dara was always left in the class with the class assistant teacher as she advances in class. She will peep from the windows watching her classmates running down the green grasses. Often times, she sneaked out but was usually caught before she makes her way to the field. Soon this began to affect her academics performances. The only subject that arouses her is drawing. She will take her time to draw athletes either as they run or as they collect trophies. Then you will see her beam. Reports were taken to her parents. The head of school advised she should be allowed to follow her dreams. But the words of that doctor keep re-echoing. Whenever such matter were discussed she will owed it to Dara having a weak heart. Fortunately, a new teacher was posted- Young, beautiful, dutiful and smart. She noticed the seclusion of Dara from sporting activities. She made her inquiry. Then she decided to help her. First she visited Dara’s mother. She made sure she earned her trust even to the extent of signing a legal document. She was determined to make it work. Then she made available a first aid box for her. This act however brought taunts to Dara. Instead of calling it a first aid box, they referred to it as Dara’s box. But with such a great teacher with her, she found solace. The first race she ran among her mates got her into a faint. Quickly she was attended too and she regained her strength. Soon she represented her house in the Inter-house competition. Her parents made sure to pick the first row seat. Her mother had a bag containing a pack of glucose, energy boosters, an inhaler, pain-relief medications, a bottle of cold water and lots more. She clearly didn’t trust the school first aid box. Soon the commentator announced the commencement of the race. She shone brightly in a blue sport wears. She waved gleefully as she sighted her parents. Her parents waved back however with fear sinking them. The whistle was blow. Her mother had her eyes shot. Her father was already on his feet holding the bag in case of any unpleasant incident. Then the race was declared finished. She came Third! They couldn’t believe their eyes. Their Dara came Third! They ran to the field. She was held high by her father while her mother kept checking her legs for any injury. When her father dropped her, she held out her arms to her. In tears, she whispered to her ears how sorry she was for keeping her away from what she loved. She told her how proud she was for her. Her mother reached out to Miss Ade amidst the crowd (for that was the teacher’s name). She thanked her for helping her see the ability in her disability. Miss Ade beamed. She was happy it was all worth it. The recognition Dara got that day was more that the Winner and the Second runner-up. Some people wondered what the fuss was about and proudly they shared the doctor’s report of when Dara was born with them (the people). A testimony some say!