25 Days. One Long Wait. One Beautiful Embrace!

For the past 25 days, Meera had called Sano Paila’s Nilkantha Holding Centre her temporary home.

She came to us after the devastating flood swept through Bhaise, destroying her family’s home and, tragically, taking the life of her father. In the days that followed, Meera stayed safely at the Holding Centre, surrounded by other children, our team, and a space where she could eat, rest, learn, play, and simply be a child.

At the time, her mother was in China.

Separated by distance and circumstances, a mother and daughter had to wait for the day they could see each other again.

After learning about the tragedy, Meera's mother returned to Battar. She came to reunite with her daughter and take her to Kathmandu, where the family would observe Ghewa, the Tamang funeral ritual held to honour and remember a loved one.

And, after 25 days apart, that moment finally came.

When Meera saw her mother again, there was little that needed to be said. Her mother gently held her and ran her hand through her hair, a simple gesture carrying 25 days of worry, longing, love, and relief.

For our team, it was a deeply moving moment.

Our time with Meera may have begun in the aftermath of a disaster, but we are grateful that we could be there for her during a difficult period and help keep her safe until she could be reunited with her family.

Meera, we will miss your laughter, your energy, and your jolliness around the Holding Centre.

Keep smiling. Keep being curious. Keep being exactly who you are.

You are deeply loved, little one.