For months we have followed Gabrielle, a 19-year-old girl who was HIV positive and pregnant with her second child. This is the final article in the series.

We have been with her through her trials, many financial crises, wrong prescriptions, hunger, the tactless remarks from nurses and her worries about dying and leaving her children motherless. But, in spite of all her challenges, she remained very optimistic.

After months of pain, losing weight and feeling ill most days, Gabriellefinally gave birth to a healthy baby who weighed 9.5 pounds.

Almost three weeks ago, she went into the hospital eager to have her baby. When she got there, the beds were full and there were two mothers to a bed. She then found a long bench which she said was much more comfortable, so instead of pairing up with someone, she made herself comfortable on it.

"I was in a lot of pain and I was sweating a lot, but the bench was located under the air conditioning vent, so I felt more comfortable and lay there until I was ready to go," said Gabrielle.

Labour

She said the day when she went into labour, she ate a large meal and had several cups of juice. By 3 p.m. she was in the delivery room and she gave birth at 6 p.m.

She noted that she was supposed to get a tubal ligation right after giving birth, but the doctor put it off for a month. Instead, she got Norplant (a form of birth control placed in the upper arm) which is effective for five years.

She told Flair that her baby has to be six months old before being tested for the HIV virus. But, for now, the baby is on antiretroviral medication. She said, so far, she is relieved that the baby is here and is doing well. However, she is now faced with new concerns.

Financial worries

Her first child should be starting pre-school in January, but she is worried about financing his schooling, especially given the fact that she is not working.

"I am now trying to get a job, but if I don't succeed I will have to put off his schooling until September."

She said she is also worried about her boyfriend, because he gets ill very often.

"I worry that he might die and leave me as a single mother to raise our children. And the fact is, I don't have anyone to turn to really."

Currently, she is getting over the flu and just hopes that one day things will be better. But, for now, she will continue trying to find a job, so she can support her two children and herself.

On behalf of Gabrielle Flair thanks all our readers who have showed Gabrielle acts of kindness. Whether it was by words of encouragement, or little tokens, financial aid, clothing for the baby, utensils, etc.