“I’ve been waiting for you, I’ve been waiting for you so long…” –  those were the soft but deeply emotional and joyful words of 35-year-old Sophie, who is completely paralyzed-translated for me by her heartbroken and seriously ill 69-year-old mother, Tamar. I don’t know what Tamar told her daughter about my visit – but the moment I saw Sophie’s smile and heard her welcome, all I wanted was to give everything I had to these two lonely, suffering women.

REPOST RIGHT AWAY, MY GOOD MAN! HELP YOUR FRIENDS FIND THE WAY TO GOD!

While speaking with Tamar and filming, so that the Fund’s friends could better understand their situation, I realized I had stepped into the home of two of the loneliest, poorest, and most tragic women in all of Georgia: Sophie – almost entirely paralyzed – and her elderly mother Tamar, who, despite her own severe illnesses and constant pain, lives for one purpose only: to keep her suffering daughter alive.   

Imagine this: You’re alive. You feel pain – but you can’t say where it hurts. You’re hungry – but you can’t ask for food. You’re thirsty – but your tongue won’t move. You’re scared – but you don’t know how to cry for help.

That’s Sophie’s life. 35 years of total helplessness. 35 years in a body that has become a prison. 35 years of being like a little child.  When she saw me, she lit up and began making soft, unintelligible sounds—nonsense to a stranger, but her mother understood and translated: “I’ve been waiting for you, I’ve been waiting for you so long…”

She doesn’t talk. She doesn’t walk. She can’t move her arms properly. She can’t hold a spoon. She doesn’t understand what’s happening around her. She simply exists – trapped in suffering beyond words. And the only person who understands her is her mother.

Tamar understands her daughter’s moans as a cry for help, her gaze as a scream, her breathing as a signal of pain.  Only a mother can read these signs – because she’s been by Sophie’s side for 35 years.

Mom: “Every day I wonder what will happen to Sophie if I die… Every day. Every night. No sleep. No rest. No hope.

Once, we talked about what would happen to her after I’m gone. She started crying bitterly, trying as hard as she could to say she doesn’t want me to leave, that she doesn’t understand why I frighten her by speaking about death, and that she wants to go wherever I go.”

There was a time when Sophie could at least sit upright. But not anymore. After contracting COVID-19, one of her legs twisted, and even sitting became torture. Three major surgeries brought no improvement.  Every movement is fire along her nerves. Every night is a battle with her own body.

Sophie Aspanidze suffers from a severe form of cerebral palsy. She has complete motor impairment in all four limbs – she can’t walk or use her hands. She cannot talk or understand the world around her. She is disoriented in time and space, and responds to questions with involuntary, unintelligible sounds. She is fully dependent on 24/7 care for every basic need.

Sophie is wheelchair-bound. She cannot eat, drink, turn over, ask to use the toilet, or express pain on her own. Every day of her life is one of total physical and emotional imprisonment.

No one in this world loves us the way God does – and yet we so often forget this, even while our loved ones are still alive.

Tamar Aspanidze, 69 years old. A strong woman whose entire life for the past 35 years has been devoted to caring for her daughter. She is Sophie’s only caregiver – even though she has survived two heart attacks. No doctor can understand how she’s still alive if they saw the physical strain she endures every day. After a serious infection, she had to undergo emergency surgery to remove her navel. She suffers from varicose veins and constant leg pain. She’s had stents installed.

Yet Tamar continues to care for her daughter completely alone – no help, no breaks, no weekends off. She cooks, feeds, washes, turns, treats, talks to Sophie – and tries to ease her pain. She never leaves her side. Not for a minute. They live in a borrowed apartment that belongs to Tamar’s late husband’s daughter.  Their only income: Tamar and Sophie’s pensions—a total of 775 GEL plus 100 GEL in social allowance. Almost everything goes to food, medicine, and Sophie’s basic care.

Tamar isn’t asking for the impossible.  Sophie’s wheelchair is old, broken, and doesn’t suit her twisted posture. She needs pain medication and ointments – her body constantly aches, especially her legs. 

They need a new door – the current one won’t close, there’s a draft in the room, and Sophie is always cold.

When I asked Sophie what she wanted, she pointed to a mobile phone. Her mother said she loves it – it makes her happy, it keeps her entertained. That’s all.

35 years of pain. 35 years of struggle without a weapon. 35 years of silent suffering, which ve can ease a little bit. Sophie can’t say thank you –  but if she could, her eyes would say: “Thank you for noticing me.”

We looked up the most basic items that can ease the life of someone paralyzed by cerebral palsy – things any average family might have.

Just imagine, friends, the desperate situation of these two women in Georgia, trapped in poverty – yet their lives, like ours, are just as precious to God, because we are all His creation. And now, God has placed the fate of this gravely ill mother and daughter into our hands. 

Doctors write the following…Caring for Patients After a Stroke.

Before their condition stabilizes, people who have suffered a stroke need the help of doctors. But after they are discharged, their recovery must continue under the supervision of family. Family members don’t always know how to help. Because, just a few days ago this person might have walked several kilometers to the store – and now they can’t even wash their face. If you’ve found yourself responsible for caring for someone after a stroke, this guide will help you understand how to assist them at home – and what to watch for to make the recovery process safe and effective.

General rules for home care after a stroke

• Establish a clear daily routine for the patient and stick to it closely.
• Monitor their condition regularly: Take their temperature and blood pressure, check their skin, and keep track of bowel movements. Pay attention to their emotional state – mental outlook is just as important for recovery. If needed, don’t hesitate to contact the treating physician.
• Encourage social interaction with relatives, friends, and former coworkers. The more people visit, the faster speech may return. However, avoid overstimulation: limit visiting hours and avoid emotionally upsetting topics.
• Continuously track which bodily functions are impaired. Ask the doctor which rehabilitation techniques are suitable. Document any side effects that arise during recovery so treatment can be adjusted as needed.

Preparing the home for recovery after stroke

By the time of discharge, the patient’s room should already be fully prepared. What is important to keep in mind?

If the patient is immobile, get an anti-bedsore mattress or a functional hospital bed that offers comfort for them and makes it easier for you to turn them regularly. 

Place the bed where they can see people entering and have a view out the window.

Ensure easy access from all sides. If they can use one arm, put a table or nightstand on that side. They should also have a way to call for help—a bell, a wireless doorbell button, or even a baby monitor next to the bed. 

If the person retains mobility, make sure all furniture in the room and along their regular walking paths (hallways, bathroom, etc.) is sturdy and stable. Install wall-mounted support bars where needed. Remove rugs and loose cords from the floor to prevent tripping.

Special care for paralyzed stroke patients at home

1. Prevent pressure sores (bedsores)

When someone lies in one position too long, reduced blood flow can lead to tissue death (necrosis). To prevent this:
Turn the patient every two hours. Maintain hygiene: change incontinence pads or linens after each bowel movement or urination. Bathe the patient once a day and clean them after every accident. Gentle massages (stroking, rubbing, tapping) help improve circulation.

2. Prevent hypostatic pneumonia

Lying still for long periods can reduce blood circulation and cause poor lung ventilation, leading to fluid buildup (congestion) and infection. The person may struggle to cough or breathe fully, which increases the risk of choking or pneumonia. To help: do breathing exercises – blowing balloons or blowing bubbles in a glass through a straw. Just 5 minutes, 4 times a day can improve lung function and help prevent complications. 

3. Prevent thrombosis

Prolonged immobility weakens muscles and causes blood stagnation. This can slow or stop circulation, even in vessels connected to the brain.

To reduce the risk: Turn the patient regularly. Give light massages or hire a rehabilitation specialist for home visits. Keep their legs warm but avoid tight socks. When seated, place a pillow under their feet to help circulation. Foot and leg massages also promote lymphatic drainage.

Nutrition during home stroke recovery

The patient’s diet should be balanced and meet their nutritional needs. Serve 4–5 small meals per day. Avoid high-calorie foods – do not overfeed. If they cannot chew, puree food in a blender. If they eat slowly, be patient and don’t rush them. 

Recommended foods:

• Chicken, turkey, beef, rabbit
• Lean fish and seafood
• Egg whites
• Low-fat dairy
• Fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs
• Whole grains
• Dried fruits and nuts

What irony! Many of the Fund’s friends in Georgia can’t even afford to eat like this themselves…

Prepare food boiled, steamed, or stewed. Best drinks: Lightly brewed green tea, compotes, fruit drinks, and plenty of clean water  Avoid: coffee and strong black tea, fried, fatty, spicy, salty, sweet, and pickled foods, alcohol, legumes and any foods that cause gas or bloating. 

To support digestion, you can gently massage the stomach: Apply soft pressure in a clockwise motion around the navel after meals. 

Hygiene for bedridden stroke patients

Keeping the skin clean is essential in daily home rehabilitation. Morning and evening, do the following: wash the face, hands, neck, and whole body. Clean genitals frequently, especially with incontinence.

Have on hand: soft toothbrush, towels, cotton pads and gauze, warm water in a washbasin. 

You will also need disposable gloves, patient’s personal basin with warm water and separate basin for dirty water, intimate hygiene products, disposable underpads, and low pillow for neck support. 

Tie up long hair, remove jewelry, and wash your hands before each procedure. 

Wash their hair at least once a week, comb hair in the morning. Soak feet every 2–3 days. Trim fingernails and toenails as needed (Clean scissors with alcohol after each use).

Friends, please write to us and donate whatever you can. Pray for these women – that their suffering may be eased. But we believe the most meaningful help would be to hire a kind, reliable caregiver for one year—so that Tamar can find some peace, and Sophie won’t cry when she hears the word “shelter.” Let it happen tomorrow—even today. Maybe you know someone. We’ll raise the money. 

Let’s give another year of life to this inseparable mother and daughter. It’s our responsibility now – because people like them are forgotten by everyone else.

If you are willing to visit the family and help them in person, here is their address: Tbilisi, 42 Lotkini Hill (private house)

Every time you can help someone, just do it, and rejoice that God answers someone’s prayers through you!

REPOST RIGHT AWAY, MY GOOD MAN! HELP YOUR FRIENDS FIND THE WAY TO GOD!

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:

(Purpose: The Aspanidze family)

You can also transfer money from our website: «Bank of Georgia» (bogpay.ge), «TBC Bank» (tbcpay.ge), «Liberty Bank» (PayGe), PayPal (paypal.me).

It is also possible to transfer money from ExpressPay and TBCpay terminals. Find our Fund under “Charity” section (you can read more about rights and responsibilities of the Fund following the link https://goo.gl/GYGus).

You can save someone’s life and draw closer to God! Text 97100.

Even if you dial once this special number, it might save someone’s life: 0901200270 God bless you!