Prisoner of eternal torment. But, thank God, we are given a chance to perform a miracle! To bring happiness to someone during their earthly life!
The Greek mythical hero - Sisyphus - was punished by Zeus for robbing the travelers!
Essentially, he was a dangerous criminal, a scoundrel, and a killer! But he was from a family of gods and incredibly strong! However, even he couldn't have imagined the suffering that our own, without exaggeration, Georgian Sisyphus - Levan Toliashvili - is condemned to for a lifetime by the callous indifference of local officials.
Levan's mother - Tamara - also lives in constant suffering. Here's her story in brief...
From the age of 20, your life turned into pure hell! She lost her parents at an early age, and she sought solace in marriage, but even there, she faced unhappiness. Her husband's family was so impoverished that during her pregnancy, Tamara suffered from hunger, and at times, she even fainted from exhaustion, yet no one cared about her.
Tamara: My difficult pregnancy became the reason for Levan being born weak. Suffering from asphyxia, he couldn't even cry or swallow. The doctors barely managed to save him, initially giving little hope. They said, "Prepare a coffin, not baby clothes.”
- Indeed, not every woman would be able to hear such words without losing her sanity.
Tamara: Fate dealt blow after blow to me from the very beginning. I got used to it. My life is a struggle for every morsel of bread, and each day turns into a test of endurance. But, perhaps, since we are still alive, I can dare to say that God loves us. After hearing these words, I decided that against all odds, I will be strong and show everyone that my son will live! That I will be a young, inexperienced but the best mother!"
Any mother can go crazy just from hearing the words: “Prepare a coffin for your son, he doesn't have much time left to live..”
- How do you cope with the difficulties you have to overcome every day?
Tamara: I don't even know where to begin telling you about our problems. My son's illness? Hunger? Living in such difficult conditions? I don't know how to endure all of this anymore. That's why tears choke me.
- What was the most challenging moment in your and Levan’s life?
Tamara: First, it was the words of the doctors saying that he didn't have much time left to live. Second, it was when I almost lost him when he was two years old. As I mentioned, we lived in extreme poverty and very cramped conditions. We used the stove to heat water for the family's needs. Levan fell off the bed and accidentally knocked over a bucket of boiling water, scalding himself. His little body melted like a candle. He cried in pain... without waiting for emergency, our neighbors rushed him to a burn center, where they literally pieced him back together. It was such a shock for him, and the unhealthy boy turned into a disabled child. Even his tendons were damaged, which eventually made him unable to walk. He couldn't put weight on his foot, couldn't bend his knee, and then he stopped walking... and now, for years, he's been confined to a wheelchair, struggling to move like half the boy he once was...
Levan: Oh, dear God, I'm so tired of sitting on these wheels! I have only one dream – to walk! I'd throw this contraption away and run... join a sports team... and be happy... and my mom wouldn't suffer. And I wouldn't suffer.
"Only faith in God keeps us afloat. Every day, Levan kisses the icons and asks for the strength to walk"
- How do you feel when you see your son's suffering?
Tamara: I experience a sense of helplessness and deep emotional pain. My heart aches when I see Levan struggling every day, and I wish I could take away his suffering. Just witnessing him crawling down the stairs devastates me. When he was little, I used to sit him on the floor, lower the wheelchair and then go back up to carry him on my back or in my arms to bring him down. And we live on the fifth floor! But now, I can't even get the wheelchair down, let alone my son. And how can I keep Levan indoors? He takes matters into his own hands and crawls to the yard. He takes a ball and waits for the neighborhood kids just to have some fun. And yet, his problem could be solved by a modern wheelchair designed to navigate stairs, both descending and ascending. When I saw this technological marvel, I sighed with bitterness. I could never afford to buy it, even if I were to sell a kidney!
Levan: Sure! Guys of my age don't want to play with me. But the younger ones – 11, 12 years old – have a lot of fun. We throw the ball to each other. Not everyone understands me. Some laugh, some say certain words - probably hurtful ones.
Tamara: I wish people would try to put themselves in our shoes. Having a child who constantly needs assistance is an endless trial. Please, be more compassionate and understanding towards those facing difficulties. I have no family left - my parents and husband passed away. My younger daughter got married and found herself in a very difficult situation - sometimes she doesn't even have enough money for food. As for relatives... they all have their own problems. Sometimes years go by, and they don't even ask if we are alive or already gone.
- How do you find the strength and motivation to keep fighting?
Tamara: My love for Levan gives me the strength and motivation to keep fighting every day. I know that his needs are paramount, and I am ready to do everything possible to provide for his life in any way. When I am no longer here, I want him to have a chance at survival. With God's and your help, I want to bring him to a state where he can take care of himself.
- What moments bring you joy and satisfaction, despite the difficulties?
Tamara: Every time I see a smile on Levan's face, feel his warm embrace, or hear him telling someone that he wants to stand on his feet and will definitely do it, it brings me joy and satisfaction. In those moments, I feel that all the difficulties we have to overcome are worth it.
- What kind of support do you hope to receive from people around you?
Tamara: We need any kind of support, whether it's financial assistance, medical help, or kind words. We will be grateful for any help! Please help my unfortunate son take a rehabilitation course. It will help strengthen his legs. Maybe he will be able to take a few steps on his own? I'm not asking for food - we manage with meals from the social canteen. But what we don't have and really need is a refrigerator! I feel ashamed to make requests when my son is unwell.
- What dreams and hopes do you have for Levan's future?
Tamara: My ultimate dream is to see Levan living a fulfilling life despite his disability. I hope he will find his calling and discover joy in each day. I read about how you helped a boy without arms find his purpose and his place in this life. He even won some competitions. (Note: referring to a beneficiary of the Fund - Goga Khakhalaishvili https://chernovetskyifund.ge/en/projects/769-khakhalashvili/reports/#content) I can imagine how happy his mother is. I can imagine how happy the boy himself is now. He probably once dreamt of death, and now he travels to different countries and participates in competitions.
- Sure! Goga's story is a source of pride! Stories always find their readers! What would you like to say to those who are willing to help you and your family?
Tamara: I beg everyone to work a miracle for us! I beg all the mothers - those with healthy children, and all the young people - who can take care of themselves, to help! Your support can change our family's life. You have changed the destinies of others; please help my son too!
The story of the family of Levan and his mother is unlikely to leave anyone indifferent. They remained alone... or rather, they had always been alone, but now this loneliness has become unbearable. But, by our joint efforts, we can change their destiny. Perhaps we may not be able to completely rid them of their problems and suffering, but every help and support we provide will be a small brick in their lives. Let us be generous in heart and generous in our actions, helping them financially, emotionally, and morally. We can raise funds for treatment and provide them with the support and care they so desperately need.
If you are willing to visit this family and help them in person, here is their address: Tbilisi, Avchala, 11 Zarzma Str, Apartment 14.
Every time you can help someone, just do it, and rejoice that God answers someone's prayers through you!
We are sure that all together we will manage to save them from imminent death.
Please don’t forget to repost our story. Let your friends know about the grief of this family! It’s extremely important!
Friends, there is one more request: if you know about the misfortune of a neighbor or friend do a godly deed, drop us an email at: office-fsp@fsp.ge
Our Fund’s accounts are:
- In Bank of Georgia GE42LB0115113036665000
– In TBC Bank GE15TB7194336080100003;
– In Liberty Bank GE42LB0115113036665000;
(Purpose: Levan Toliashvili)
You can also transfer money from our website: TБC Bank (GeoPay), Bank of Georgia (e-commerce), Liberty Bank (PayGe), PayPal.
It is also possible to transfer money from TBCpay, ExpressPay and PayBox (OPPA) terminals. Find our Fund under "Charity" section (you can read more about rights and responsibilities of the Fund following the link https://goo.gl/GY2Gus).
We have already helped thousands of disadvantaged people! Let’s support this family too! And who knows, maybe someday we ourselves will need the help of strangers! Life is always unpredictable!
