Brave Hearts

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

Page 23

The Brave Hearts
Walter started talking to himself, “I will also start walking one day like any other child in future. I will also start jumping over poles. A day will come when I will set a world record in high jump."
Walter, then, was physically disabled all right, but his determination was strong and unflinching. He may have been physically challenged, but his mind and heart were strong enough to achieve even the impossible. His body was weak, but his resolve was like a rock. He had confidence in his heart of hearts, “My physique today may be impaired, and yet a day will come when nobody will be able to surpass the record that I will set."
Since that moment he spared no pains. He followed every instruction that his doctors used to give him to its minutest details. Gradually he attempted to walk with the help of clippers that he would tie to his waist. Subsequently, he removed even the belts that he was wearing at his waist and his knee. A time came when Walter required only the clippers attached to the bottom of his legs. In course of time his muscles gathered strength and he started walking without anybody's help. At times he would lose balance and would even fall down, but gradually he got over this problem too with courage and conviction. A day came when he started walking normally, like any other person. The confidence that was planted in him by his mother began to grow. Even the doctors were amazed at what Walter had achieved by virtue of sheer determination. With all this, his resolve to set a world record in high jump still remained unfulfilled.
Gradually his body started gathering strength and his otherwise dead muscles showed signs of reviving. He also began practicing running from one end to another. Finally, he started practicing high jump bit by bit. It is well known that in