Reanei Will Live On In My Heart

They didn’t want her to know her child had died in case it slowed her recovery – then she found the news report

- Cyril Blackburn

If she could hold her precious baby one last time it might be easier – she’d be able to say goodbye, kiss her little face, smooth the hair off her forehead and tell her how much she’d always love her.

But Shanei Norris didn’t get the closure most parents do when a child is suddenly taken from them.

Two years ago, while her family and friends buried her baby daughter, Shanei was in a coma, fighting for her life after a catastrophic car crash that claimed her child’s life.

When she emerged from the coma two weeks later, loved ones steeled themselves to tell the young mom the news – but Shanei (now 24) had no memory of little Reanei, the 16-month-old toddler who’d been the centre of her universe.

A lot has happened since we told Shanei’s tragic story (YOU, 24 May 2018) – developments both heartbreaking and uplifting.

In some ways, life has moved on. She has a new man in her life, she’s able to take care of herself again and her memory has all but been restored. But the pain of loss will always be there – as will the bitter recollection of the devastating way she discovered her baby was dead.

Shanei, who worked as a receptionist at a medical practice, was on her way to drop Reanei at her crèche in Vereeniging, Gauteng, on the morning of 23 March 2018 when a bakkie collided with her Kia Picanto.

Her car was destroyed and emergency services had to use the jaws of life to free her from the wreckage. Shanei sustained serious head injuries and her arms, legs and pelvis were either broken or crushed.

Reanei died on impact. Renier Stols (now 30), the little girl’s dad, sat by the car for hours waiting for the baby’s body to be removed.