Brave Hearts

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

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The Brave Hearts
While saying this, the child lost its balance and crumpled onto the bed.
Walter's mother who was in the adjoining room overheard him. She rushed to his bedroom and started enquiring, "Dear Walter, with whom were you talking?"
Walter replied, "I was talking with my legs."
"With your legs?" The mother was greatly puzzled. "Would they have the faculty of listening?" She asked. "Yes mother! My legs may not walk, but they do listen to what I say" - Walter replied.
"Is that so! What did you tell them ?" The mother anxiously enquired.
Walter replied, "Mother, I told them that they should not be embarrassed, nor should they be afraid of anything. They should not lose courage. Today they may not be in a position to walk, but a day will come when they will be able to jump high up in the sky!"
"Bravo! Well done!! You will surely be able to jump, you will be able to run like any other child of your age. If do you not harbour any kind of disappointment, you will surely be able to do anything that you wish to."
Since that day the mother constantly encouraged her son and an enthused him to ensure that he did not fall prey to any kind of despair or despondency. She used to cajole him to build confidence in him. Along with that, she also used to massage his legs and administer other kinds of treatment. The result of all this was that after spending five long years in a wheelchair, Walter started walking with the help of crutches.
Once in the town of Bomant where Walter lived, a high jump competition was organised which Walter wanted to witness. He went to the ground with the help of his crutches. A large number of children had assembled there. They
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