Brave Hearts

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Eye Care Foundation

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Differently Abled But Not Disabled
Walter Davis was only eight years old when he was struck with polio that cripples millions in the world for their entire life time. The attack was so severe that he could not operate even a single muscle on his own. He had lost control over the entire muscle system in his body. His hands and legs stopped functioning. And yet he had not given up. He undertook a massive effort to put fresh life in his muscle system. He would constantly undertake various kinds of physical exercises. At times he would get exhausted, physically tired, would even stumble down and yet he would not accept defeat. Gradually he started recouping from the effects of polio and yet his legs remained absolutely inactive and non-functioning. At an age when a child is supposed to jump and play, Walter could not even stand on his own. His doctors had already given up hopes of any recovery. They even ventured to say that this child would never be able to move his legs. He will have to use crutches or a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
Walter did not lose heart. There was a ray of hope within him - nay a strong craving. Once he patted his legs and said fondly, “My dear dumb friends! One day you will-start walking and running. You will even start jumping. You will jump so high towards the skies that you can even touch its heights. Till then, my friends, keep cool, do not lose heart. I too will retain my confidence intact."
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