On her 100th birthday, Miranda found herself alone, having outlived all her friends and loved ones. As she prepared to blow out the candles on her birthday cake, a surprise visitor arrived, someone she hadn’t seen in six decades.
Miranda sat quietly at her kitchen table, reflecting on a life filled with historical changes and personal achievements. She had chosen her nursing career over marriage and children, and though some had predicted she would regret it, she felt at peace with her choices. Her life had been full, and while loneliness touched her from time to time, she was content.
On this particular birthday, the solitude felt especially poignant. She reminisced about past celebrations and the joy they brought. But her introspection was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. Startled, she shuffled to answer it, wondering who could be visiting.
To her surprise, a man in his 60s or 70s stood at her doorstep, looking at her with a familiar yet distant smile. He introduced himself as Adrian Miller, a name that sparked distant memories for Miranda.
Adrian revealed that he had been one of her patients many years ago, a young boy battling cancer. Despite the dire prognosis at the time, Miranda and her team had provided hope and care, and Adrian had made a miraculous recovery. Over the years, Miranda had kept in touch with his family, but they had lost contact after moving away.
Seeing Adrian now, all grown up, was a profound moment for Miranda. The encounter filled her with a deep sense of joy. They spent hours reminiscing and catching up, with Adrian showing her pictures of his life, his family, travels, and achievements.
Miranda felt overwhelmed with happiness, realizing that the impact of her work had not only touched lives but had also come full circle with this unexpected reunion. The birthday that had started in solitude ended with a meaningful connection, reminding her of the lasting effect of compassion and care.
Born without a nose: This is what Tessa Evans looks like at 10 years old
Tessa Evans, who was born on February 14, 2013, was born without a nose, a rare condition that has sparked admiration and affection from her family and people around the world.
Tessa’s unique condition is known as Bosma Arhinia Microphthalmia Syndrome (BAMS) and there are fewer than 100 documented cases worldwide. Despite the rarity and complexity of her condition, her mother praises Tessa’s “charming” behavior and her “remarkable courage”.
Eight years into her journey, Tessa has become a symbol of resilience. She continues to do well and embrace life to the fullest, despite the challenges presented by her condition, which includes the inability to smell or breathe through her nose.
However, she can still cough, sneeze and catch colds. “It was pretty amusing the first time she sneezed”, recalls her father Nathan, “but we realized it was actually coming from her chest, which was a small but reassuring sign of normality”.
Tessa’s parents, Grainne and Nathan Evans, were stunned when their Valentine’s baby was born without a nose as the pregnancy was uneventful and there were no signs of problems.
A native of Maghera, Ireland, Tessa’s condition required immediate medical intervention. At less than two weeks old, she underwent surgery to insert a tracheostomy tube so she could eat and sleep comfortably.
At just two years old, Tessa achieved a medical milestone when she became the first person to receive a cosmetic nasal implant, marking a significant advance in the field and a remarkable solution to her rare condition.
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