For most mothers, the moment they see their baby for the first time after giving birth is filled with happiness, love and overwhelming emotion.
But for 33-year-old mother Charlene Machin from Stoke-on-Trent, England, that moment came with fear and shock when she learned that her baby boy had been born with a significant facial difference.
Charlene Machin gave birth to twin boys named Oliver and Harry. However, doctors discovered that little Harry had a rare congenital facial condition that had significantly affected the development of one side of his face.
Charlene recalled the moment she gave birth seven years ago. After learning about her son’s condition, she repeatedly apologized to her husband, believing that somehow she was responsible. She said, “I had to have a C-section.
The doctors quickly delivered Harry, so I couldn’t see his face at that moment. But then a doctor explained his condition to me. It was as though much of his facial features had not developed. He was born without an eye, an ear and a nostril on one side. I burst into tears and kept apologizing to my husband. I felt as though I had somehow caused this to happen.”
She continued, “The next morning, I finally got to meet my son and I was honestly frightened and overwhelmed. One side of his face looked completely different. Holding him in my arms, tears just kept falling. How could I learn to love my precious little boy when his face looked so different?
Many people may believe that a mother’s love immediately overcomes every obstacle. But for me, it didn’t happen that way. My mind went completely blank. Behind my smiles was a heart full of pain. I worried that I would never be able to love my little boy the way I wanted to. I felt heartbroken for what he would have to face. Why couldn’t Harry simply have an ordinary life?”
When the family learned that Charlene was expecting twins, everyone was overjoyed. But their happiness was soon mixed with worry when Harry was born with his rare facial difference. Speaking honestly about her emotions, Machin said, “It took me two years to fully understand my feelings and love Harry with all my heart.
Many people on the street would stare at Harry, and some even reacted with fear when they saw him. But I eventually realized my responsibility was to help my son face the world with confidence.”
Seven years after his birth, the two boys have grown into healthy, happy and lovable children. Harry has undergone three surgeries to help reconstruct and reposition his eye socket, and he now has a specially fitted prosthetic eye. Today, he is living a happy life surrounded by the people who love him most.
