My second baby Fahry was born premature at 28 weeks. He was born with amniotic band syndrome that caused the amputation of his right foot, some of his fingers and his toes.

The challenge started when he was born. Some people kept asking me “why” that happened to him. It was then that it occurred to me that he would have to deal with that question for the rest of his life.

So I decided that I would not allow him to feel any different from other children. I registered him with the Welfare Department as a disabled person (orang kurang upaya) so that he would enjoy the benefits a Malaysian disabled should. Besides which, I sent him to a regular daycare centre so that he would make friends with the other kids and who hopefully would not alienate him.

I take him everywhere and keep telling people that he is disabled and that I am very proud of him. I post his pictures in my blog and on Facebook to tell the world that my child is abnormal, yet he is so special, and that he has the same opportunities as the other kids have.

I get all sorts of reactions to my special baby. Some feel pity for us and lots more are proud of us, since my baby doesn't look like a disabled child at all. He is just a normal baby without one of his feet. But now that he has his prosthesis, he can walk like other babies his age.

My baby's strength to carry on his life comes from his parents. There are many parents who feel ashamed and have low self esteem because of their special baby. It should not be like that. All babies are special; in fact, nobody is perfect. It's just that their imperfection comes in a physical form. They are absolutely perfect inside.

I am also determined to help other mothers with special kids like this. Don't ever put these children down. They are not different, they are just specially made from heaven.

Lyna