I know I happen to post a lot of sad/heart pulling things about Salem’s condition & the grief of her passing, but not enough happy/calm moments.
This was recorded after she had her first big surgery in May 2023 (g-tube being put in) and before she got really sick in December 2023.
She loved to kick her feet and waive her hands when she was excited and when she was upset. In this video, she’s playing 🥹. You can see her personality coming out. She tried grabbing her g-tube to play with it but of course, mommy had to ruin her fun and you can see her telling me that she did NOT appreciate that 🤣.
Living with a child affected by Leigh Syndrome is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with both heartbreaking and precious moments. From my own experience, finding joy in the small, playful behaviors of a child like Salem becomes a vital part of coping with the complexity of care required. For instance, after Salem had her g-tube surgery, it was touching to see how she expressed excitement and curiosity through simple actions like kicking her feet and waving her hands. Observing these signs of personality and spirit can uplift parents and caregivers, reminding them that despite medical challenges, the baby is still a lively individual with unique expressions. The g-tube care process itself can be daunting—you must ensure cleanliness, prevent infections, and manage the feeding routine carefully. However, blending these tasks with moments of play, such as letting the child explore the g-tube gently under supervision, can foster comfort and reduce anxiety. I also found that sharing such honest, happy snapshots helps create a supportive community for families facing similar hardships. Using hashtags like #leighsyndrome and #childloss connects you with others who understand the emotional weight but also celebrate the beauty of each positive moment. Remember, the personality behind the condition can be enormous and deeply touching, as summarized by the phrase, "Her personality was so big for a little person." Embracing these moments of joy amid grief can bring healing and strength to the entire family.














































