• Tracy Ikhidero

  • Nigeria - Halifax

Art by Emily Honderich

Tracy Ikhidero story

Tracy Ikhidero is married with three children. Her family moved from Nigeria to Canada in 2018. They currently live in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

A Blessing in Disguise

We were so prepared, we had it all ready and kept counting down to March 19 to meet our little princess. No one saw it coming, no warning, no whispers!

And just like a thief, COVID crept up on us and changed everything. I have never experienced a pandemic before; neither have I ever had a baby with no family and friends around me. That changed when my baby arrived on March 21 at the very onset of the isolation restrictions.

What a perfect timing for her to announce her entry into the world! Amid all the excitement from my older children and husband when we got home from the IWK hospital, I experienced loneliness and depression.

I was flooded with nostalgia wishing I had my relatives around me. I longed so much for their support and presence after birthing my baby through a cesarean section.

However, now I look back and remember how the pandemic helped my family and me to bond deeper with our baby, especially my older kids. Our baby chose the perfect time to arrive in a period of darkness and, as such, brought with her so much light and joy. What a blessing!

"However, now I look back and remember how the pandemic helped my family and me to bond deeper with our baby, especially my older kids. Our baby chose the perfect time to arrive in a period of darkness and, as such, brought with her so much light and joy. What a blessing!"

- Tracy Ikhidero