Thanks God for preserving his life
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IT is bad enough for a mother to have the unfortunate experience of witnessing her child being struck by a moving vehicle, but worse to have that experience on her birthday.
Shannika ‘Shanny’ Percival of Boyds celebrated her birthday on Thursday, August 30, 2012 and, as she explained to SKNVibes, she and two of her children were on their way from visiting her sister when the unfortunate incident occurred while attempting to cross the road.
She explained that she had bags in one hand and was holding the hand of the younger of her two sons with the other. She said the three of them – having checked for oncoming traffic – attempted to cross the road with the older of her two sons, Shaquan, just a few steps ahead of her.
Percival indicated that while crossing the road, she saw a bus approaching and before she could shout her son’s name, he was struck by the vehicle. She and her other son were however fortunate not to have been injured during the incident.
According to a report from the Traffic Department, Shaquan was struck by motor omnibus HA191 which was being driven by Buckley’s Estate resident Wilfred Hanley.
The report stated that “investigations revealed that the child was crossing the road from the seaside when he was struck by the bus which was travelling towards Basseterre. He was taken to the JNF Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and warded in stable condition…”
“I felt bad because he got knocked down and it happened on my birthday. But I know God doesn’t give us things unless he knows that we can handle them. I thank God that my son is still alive. Up to now I keep crying to the Lord and He is working on him. I am seeing progress in my son,” Percival said.
At the time of interview – on the afternoon of August 31 - Percival indicated that Shaquan had opened his eyes for the first time since the accident took place and that he was responsive. She said he suffered no broken bones, only bruises, and a brain scan revealed no head injuries.
As his recovery progresses, Percival said another brain scan would be performed to confirm the results of the first.
Percival said she wishes her son a speedy recovery as she continues to thank God for sparing his life.
