Love Vs Reality

I have always believed that when you find someone who truly understands you and shares your dreams, nothing else matters. But sometimes life puts us in situations where love alone is not enough. Most times we face some painful realities of life and one of those painful realities of life that a person might faced is finding out that his/her partner whom he/she plans to spend life together is a carrier of sickle cell gene.

Sickle cell disease is a condition that affects the red blood cells. As taught in Biology, red blood cells are round and move freely in the body, carrying oxygen to every part. But for someone with sickle cell disease, the cells take a sickle or crescent shape, which makes them stiff and unable to move easily. The result is that it causes blockages in the blood flow, leading to severe pain, tiredness, and other health problems. The disease is inherited, meaning a child gets it only when both parents are c arriers of this sickle cell gene.

I can imagine how heartbreaking it must be to discover such news a day before my wedding, when everything is set and my heart is filled with joy. After all the prayers, planning and waiting for the day, only to hear something that shakes the very foundation of my dreams. The person I love with all your heart suddenly becomes someone I might have to let go of, not because of a lack of love, but because of a painful truth.

I’ve seen people face this exact situation. Some decided to go ahead with the marriage, believing that somehow love would conquer all. But as the years went by, they began to face the consequences of their actions, the constant hospital visits, sleepless nights, endless medications and the sight of their child in constant pain. It becomes a heavy burden both emotionally and financially. The love that once made them strong begins to fade under the pressure of reality. Yet, some couples are lucky they might have healthy children despite being carriers, like my aunt who has given birth to three children before she knew that her and her husband are AS carriers, but not everyone gets that kind of luck.

If I were in that situation, honestly, it would be one of the hardest choices to make. Letting go of the love of my life would feel like tearing out a part of my heart. But then let's face reality, I know it would be the right thing to do. Love is not only about what we feel now but it is also about the future we want to build. Bringing a child into the world knowing fully well they might suffer, would always weigh on my conscience. Walking away would hurt, but staying and risking a lifetime of pain for an innocent child would hurt even more.

Love is not blind. It is wise to face reality well and not allow emotions use us. Sometimes, real love means sacrificing one's own happiness for the good of others. I believe that God brings people into our lives for reasons, some to stay forever, others to teach us lessons about life and choices.

So, if I ever faced that kind of situation, I would choose reality over emotions, not because love failed, but because love guided me to do what is right.