A deaf mother of four who was abandoned by her hearing husband for having 3 deaf children and labelled “abomination” by In-laws, has recently cried out for help over her predicaments.
In a chat with Inclusive News Network, the mother, Iwuchukwu Miriam Ogechi, narrating her ordeal, explained how her husband, Iwuchukwu Uche dumped her after 3 of their children were born deaf.
She said her mother-in-law advised him to leave the marriage and remarry, claiming having three deaf kids is an “abomination” and a “shame” to the family.
She said she was legally married to her husband, Uche, for 10 years and that their first child, a girl has no disability. However, on realizing that the other 3 children (Success, Goodluck and Precious Iwuchukwu) were deaf, pressure mounted from Uche’s family to dissolve the marriage.
In Miriam’s words, “his family members, especially mama asked him to leave the marriage remarry. Mama said having three deaf kids is both an abomination and a shame to them.”
“The first child is girl, and can talk. However, the second child, third and fourth are deaf. I have two boys and two girls.”
“We have been married for ten years prior to this challenge. I am legally married.”
Iwuchukwu explained that her family had once tried to intervene, however, efforts proved abortive.
“My family tried to explain to their In-laws that separation isn’t the best way to go about it, but mother-in-law wouldn’t budge. That was when my family advised me to brace up and focus on the kids first. They said continuing in the marriage was no longer tenable.”
When asked how she survives despite not having a job, Iwuchukwu who is National Certificate on Education (NCE) holder said “we are surviving by the grace and mercy of God. Presently I hawk liquid soap which does not sell well. I don’t have money to start a nice thing”.
“They, my family, have tried to support by helping with the children’s feeding. However, they too have their own burdens. At a stage, support failed and I had to face my challenges alone”.
“I have an NCE, but don’t want to teach again. The salary won’t be okay for myself and the kids welfare.”
“I once taught in a private school but was still being owed despite the meagre salary paid. I had to quit, and have since been into this liquid soap thing”.
Mrs. Miriam called on well meaning Nigerians to assist her start a business that will earn enough returns to take care of her children and send them to school.
“Honestly, I want people to help with finance so I can start a better business and earn money to ensure better living for the kids”, she pleaded.