By Patrick Stephen Tokpah
/BONG
A traditional midwife of Bong County Electoral District 2, Ma Tamay Flomo has launched an appeal to well-meaning Liberians and humanitarian organizations to help her ill son in the county.
Ma Flomo has served Bong County’s District 2 for many years, delivering children and comforting families through pain and joy.
According to her, her 22-year-old son is currently experiencing a mental health crisis, which has taken away her mind and peace.
She said her son was once a gentle young man who assisted her in feeding, but now he is roaming the streets, exposed and vulnerable, being influenced by others who give him cigarettes, and drugs, something she said her son is now engaged in destructive activities.
She cries as she said, ‘’He used to be a help to me,’ but now… it’s not possible. People give him things on the street, he doesn’t know himself anymore, he walks naked. He’s not my son anymore. I’m not sure how this happened.”
Mother Flomo revealed that as her son’s condition worsened, her life has become unraveled, adding that she is no longer welcomed in homes where she once found temporary shelter, and is being told to leave each time due to her son’s behavior.
“No one wants to accommodate me and my son anymore,” she says, shaking “They say he’s destructive They fear him,” she noted.
Ma Flomo, told the media that her son tried to harm her with a kitchen knife, something she believes he would never do if he was in good health.
Her words are filled with embarrassment as she recounts her struggles, including spending money she didn’t have and trusting those who promised to help but didn’t deliver.
“I paid L$6,000 here, L$5,000 there. They said they would help heal him, but they did nothing. They took my money. Now I have nothing. No place to sleep,” Mother Flomo revealed.
The traditional midwife said it is most painful watching her son, who was once full of life, now reduced to a shell.
“He walks naked,” she said “He talks to himself. He no longer knows me and I want someone to treat his soul, so I can get my son back.”
She is begging, not just for herself, but for her son. She pleads, “If anyone out there can help carry my son to rehab or to the mental health camp, help me. I can’t do it on my own. I just want him to get well again.”
She is optimistic despite her tears and hopeful that someone out there will hear her cry and respond with action instead of pity.
“If I get money again, I won’t give it to anyone. I will hold it. I just want a place where I can sleep and where my son can get treatment,” she added.
Although the future is unknown, is there a hope for such a sick soul as Ma Mary Flomo’s 22-year-old-son again? Until time can tell.
