Leah Henson’s life experiences led her to the decision of becoming a social worker
By Eileen Quackenbush/Staff Writer
Leah Henson
Henson writes in a journal to help her cope with the deformities in her hands, the death of her daughter, and a battle with breast cancer.
Henson’s mother worked in electronics and built computer chips. She was pregnant with Henson and didn’t know that one of the chemicals could be harmful and may cause birth defects.
“I came out as a blessed child and I entered the world with fists. I didn’t have any fingers and went through 30 operations to help me create fingers on each hand,” Henson said.
“I hope people understand there is reason or purpose for what we go through. Each situation is different from person to person. I think each individual can handle the situation at hand and find positivity despite their horrible experiences,” Henson said.
Henson’s remembered the day her daughter Lovely was born three years ago. Lovely was a premature infant and weighed 2lbs. Henson recalled when the doctors’ told her that Lovely had an hour to live.
“The doctors were pessimistic and I was told she would never be able to talk. She eventually learned to speak and proved the doctors wrong. They prepared me for the worse, and I talked to her about religion and showed her my love,” Henson said.
Henson prayed for her daughter to live as long as she could. Then, on an unforgettable gloomy evening, Lovely passed away breathless in Henson’s arms.
Henson became interested in going to college to become a child social worker because of the memorable moments with her daughter.
“The loss of my daughter made me grow up and appreciate life. There are children that may not have anybody to love them. I have a lot of love to give. I made the decision to go to college to become a social worker, so I can help children in need,” Henson said.
A couple of weeks after Lovely’s death, Henson saw a white butterfly. She continued to see it from time to time around her house.
“On her funeral day, Lovely’s social worker was chased by a butterfly probably for being late,” Henson said.”
“The butterfly will always be Lovely’s symbol. I have a tattoo of a butterfly near my heart and another on my hip,” Henson said.
Henson believes her daughter Lovely touched the lives of those that met her, especially during her 6 months stay in the hospital.
“I believe some people live until 90 because they haven’t fulfilled their calling in life,” Henson said. “Lovely brought my family closer and accomplished her purpose in life during her 16 months of being alive,” Henson said.
After coping with the loss of her daughter, Henson found out last year she was diagnosed with stage III Breast Cancer and missed school for a couple of quarters.
“I believe there is a bigger purpose to why I went through all of these challenges and obstacles in my life. I was laying in the hospital, while my friends were going out,” Henson said.
“My religion means a lot to me. I experienced many traumatic experiences and I need faith to help me recover from some painful experiences. I can rely on God for support and comfort,” Henson said.
Henson had numerous surgeries and chemotherapy sessions. Since Sept. 1st, she became cancer free.
“I wanted to become a social worker because I was hospitalized numerous times. I know what it feels like to lay in a hospital and need support from others,” Henson said
Henson enjoys listening to music and has a passion for writing. She plans to write a book about the loss of her daughter and their experiences together. Her working title is “Forever Lovely.”
“I see the beauty out of death, and I lost my baby physically, but I want her to know that I will stay strong and positive. I’ve seen numerous miracles throughout her short-lived life. I believe she is proud of me,” Henson said.
Henson believes her relationship with her mother and other relatives were the foundation for her interest in helping others.
“I grew up poor, but I was shown a lot of love from my family,” Henson said. “Appreciate what you have and don’t forget to tell your love ones how much you care about them. You never know if it will be the last time you see them.“
Henson believes she will become a social worker and hopes to fall in love again. Henson continues to write in her journal about the tragic and triumphant moments of her life, and keeps the memories of her daughter close to her heart.