Love without limits

Note: all the names mentioned are not the real names of the persons featured in this article.

 Last week, as I was searching for certain people on Facebook, I came across three mothers of children with cerebral palsy and visual impairment. i sent them friend requests and private messages. To my delight, 1 of them accepted my request immediately. we soon became friends. I told her that i was going 2 visit Resources for the Blind, Inc., where her child was enrolled. i asked her if i could meet her and her son, and she said yes.

The following week, I had to go to RBI again. I was so happy because I got to meet not only my new friend but also the two other mothers whom I added on Facebook. I sat down and listened to their stories. I was so inspired and touched. One of the mothers, who resides in Cavite, would wake early every day and would travel to Quezon City with her child to attend classes. All of them hail far from RBI. 

 William, who is totally blind and has cerebral palsy, lives in Antipolo. Diana is from Cavite and has the same condition as William. Henry, from Malabon, has low vision and cerebral palsy. All three of them are unable to walk and talk. They undergo physical therapy to promote and facilitate mobility.

I am in awe of the three mothers whose unconditional love enables them to believe in their children, to be the best moms they can be, and to bring out the best in their little ones. According to them, their children are blessings from God, and they deserve nothing but to live life to the fullest. They believe that every child with disability has the right to learn, thus, they are willing to do whatever it takes for their children to be responsive, to enjoy life, and to achieve the greatest level of independence possible. Taking care of children with visual impairment and other disabilities is no easy feat, yet these mothers lovingly do their best to ensure that their children receive the education they need and deserve.

The Return of Superman Korean Variety Show

I have no favorite actor and actress both here in the Philippines and in foreign countries, but I love watching television and films. I have a lot of favorite movies and shows. One of them is the Korean variety show The Return of Superman. This is a reality show about celebrity Dads and their real-life children. Celebrity dads are left to care for their kids alone for 48 hours without the help of anyone, while their wives leave the home to enjoy relaxation time. The wives are shown leaving the home before the 48 hours begins and coming back to greet their family once the 48 hours have ended. During the 48 hours, the dads and children are either doing a task the wives have written out for the dads to complete, or the dads are exploring new activities with their kids. Occasionally, celebrity friends of the dads will stop by to interact with the kids.

Superman Return aired on KBS Channel in Korea. You can watch it in youtube and KShowOnline.com

The kids are fun to watch, not to mention their cuteness and wit. There is so much to be learned from the show by one who intently watches. How a father takes care of his child while the mother is away, the impact of parents’ upbringing of their children on the way children cope with change, and the effect of teaching good manners to children are just a few of the essentials in store for viewers. This show is not only about entertaining viewers but also educating them, specially the parents.

Inspiring Blind

Miss Minnie Aveline P. Juan 30 years old second in four children of Dr. Angelo Juan and Dr. Maria LiliaJuan, Ms. Minnie was blind since birth. But her blindness did not stop her to achieve triumph.

She finish her Elementary and High School with honors and graduate magna cum laude in College at Trinity College now Trinity University of Asia with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in English and Suma cum laude at Virgen Milagrosa University with the degree of Bachelor of Elementary Education major Special Education. She is now teaching her fellow visually impaired in Vergen Milagrosa University in Pangasinan. 

Nakaka inspire sya dahil sa kabila nang kanyang kapansanan sa paningin ay naging matatag sya hindi nya ginawang hadlang ang kapansanan upang mag tagumpay at ma overcome ang mga trials sa buhay. I hope that her inspiring story will be an instrument to reduce discrimination towards persons with disability. If opportunities will open, disabled people can prove that they are able and be successful too like Ms. Minnie

Love is for everyone

This photo shows the child and her parents. 

I used to think that adoption of children with disabilities happens in other countries but the Philippines. My perception took a 180-degree turn when I met the Venida family who lovingly decided to adopt a child born with blindness and Cerebral Palsy. I salute this  family for  having painstakingly gone through the long, tedious, and costly process of adoption, all because of love for their child. I was touched when I heard their story about why an angel’s adoption came to be. More than touched, I was blessed.

We can learn from there story that love can be freely given to anyone, even to those who may not be of our own flesh and blood. Even more inspiring about this selfless family is that they, more than providing for the child’s basic needs, support her in everything she needs and wants to do. They do there best to help her know and improve her skills and talents. Best of all, They give her unconditional love which she needs the most.

In this photo is the child and me

I hope and pray that there are more homes like the one this child is so blessed to belong in—a heavenly  abode that willingly opened its doors to those whom the world abandoned and neglected, those who could not be rendered support by their own families for whatever reason. Each child, whether with or without disability, has every right to live, to receive education, and to be loved.

You can read the story of the child written by her Mother by clicking on this link.

 http://idontwant2retire.blogspot.com/2008/05/special-childs-rights.html 

Why I Want to be a Blogger

I neither consider myself good at writing nor like to write essays, stories or poems. But I like sharing my ideas, skills, knowledge and advocate for the rights of my fellow persons with disabilities (PWD's). That is the reason why I wrote whatever came to my mind. I may not be a born writer, but I hope that with my written expression of myself, even a single soul may be inspired.

In February of this year, I went to Resources for the Blind, Inc. (RBI) to purchase a magnifier. When my cousin and I were waiting for the staff member in charge of low vision gadgets, we sat near the area where classes were being taught to children who are blind and visually impaired. Then a teacher, together with one of her students, passed by in front of us. My attention was instantly caught by the child's charm and innocence.

A week after the event, I accidentally came across the blog of a mother whose daughter happened to be the same child I saw at RBI. Since then, I have been reading the blogger's inspirational posts about Lyca, her beloved child.

, last July 4, my friend attended the general assembly of an organization called Parent Advocates of Visually Impaired Children (PAVIC). One of the talks was delivered by Lyca's mother. Remembering the stories I told her about Lyca and her mom, this friend of mine paved the way for us to be introduced online. When Lyca's mother read one of my facebook notes, she told my friend that I, too, should create my own blog. My friend mentioned to her my desire to do so. I summoned enough courage to ask whether this blogger could teach me. To my delight, Lyca's mom said "Yes."

I am not in any way a good writer, but I wish for my thoughts to be shared. I am but one of the many persons with disabilities in the Philippines whose small voice wants to be heard. Through the encouragement and motivation of Lyca and her mom, I decided to keep on writing. Both of them are God’s blessings to me.

Every Day Is A Blessing

One very ordinary day, when I was at the brink of giving up on life, a friend of mine who is a counselor at the non-profit organization, Resources for the Blind Inc. (RBI), encouraged me to read the Singers of Zion. She lent me this book to be inspired, believing that I could relate well to the story’s lead character. The Singers of Zion has two parts. The first is about Fanny  Crosby, a blind poetess, while the second is about Frances R. Harvegal. My attention was captured and held by Fanny Crosby. She inspired me and continues to do so in many ways.

Fanny Crosby (March 24, 1820-Febuary 12, 1915) was born without any impairment. When she was six months old, however, she caught colds and developed inflammation of the eyes. Because no physician was available, her family sought the aid of another country doctor. This doctor, unfortunately, was not qualified to practice medicine. This unqualified doctor prescribed a hot mustard plaster as a treatment. Because of this, Fanny became blind. This could have been a waterloo of her life, yet despite her condition, she never pitied herself. Instead, she became more driven to lead a normal life. At an early age, her grandmother taught her about God and the Holy Bible. When she was eight years old, she started creating poems. One of her poems caught my attention.

"Oh, what a happy soul I am!

Although I cannot see,

I am resolved that in this world

Contented I will be.

How many Blessings I enjoy,

That other people don't!

To weep and sigh because I’m blind,

I cannot and I won't."

So many times, we are not content with what we have. Instead of looking at our blessings, we tend to look at our failures, weaknesses and what we have lost or do not have. Fanny’s poem simply tells us that in spite of our imperfections or limitations, there is always something we are to thank the Lord for. Fanny’s book made me realize that I don't need to envy people who are not disabled because God has enabled me, in spite of my condition, to do many things. I could still groom, feed, and travel all by myself while other disabled people could not. These are blessings I praise and thank God for. I may be performing my tasks in different ways than the non-disabled, what counts is that my impairments do not render me incapable of doing anything. I am blessed that though partly blind and partly deaf, I am differently abled.

While reading the story of Fanny, many lessons flashed in my mind that I decided to jot them down on my secret notebook. Looking back on my personal experiences, I sometimes lost hope and faith and I would easily give up when I encountered problems which were seemingly unbearable and impossible to solve. I would fear a lot especially when things did not go the way I expected or planned. In time, I learned that I need to fight and pray, and to constantly ask the Lord to guide and give me strength in order to survive, to reach my full potential, and to live life to the fullest. He is the only source of light that directs me to the right path. His is the sweet and still voice which always reminds me of how much I am loved, accepted, understood, and valued for who I really am and what I have become. A positive outlook in life fueled by love for and faith in the almighty are Fanny Crosby’s secrets to living a joyful life despite its challenges and difficulties. With God’s help, she chose and was able to remain strong and willing to fight.

Fanny Crosby was married to Alexander Van Alstyne. They were blessed with a baby girl who suddenly died during infancy. Despite the tragedy, Fanny remained strong. In memory of her daughter, she wrote the poem entitled “Safe in the Arms of Jesus.”

We all need to be strong and to take courage when faced with life’s trials and tribulations. Let us allow God to guide us and help us conquer every obstacle with His strength rather than merely relying on our own.  Let us always remember that we are made for a purpose to fulfill in this world, and that God has a good plan for our lives which, though we  may not know yet, are surely what is best for us. In spite of all the hardships we may be confronted with, there is always a reason behind those trying times. They are not meant to hurt us or to punish us but to teach us lifetime lessons which are intended to make us better, not bitter.

All people, though replete with differences, are still the same. Each of us is created by God in an amazingly unique way, making us equal in His eyes. Since we are uniquely endowed with His blessings, there is every reason for us to be content in life. When you feel low and insignificant, that you don’t seem to be as blessed as other people are, think again. You are unique. You are special. You are eternally loved by the perfect One who created you. Think of persons with disabilities like me. I may lack the ability to see and hear, but I regard my impairments as blessings because I believe that the Lord is able to use them for good not only in my life but in the lives of other people as well—individuals whom He has assigned to inspire through me and to be ministered by me. As Fanny Crosby puts it, “IF I HAD A CHOICE, I WOULD STILL CHOOSE TO REMAIN BLIND ... FOR WHEN I WILL DIE, THE FIRST FACE I WILL EVER SEE WILL BE THE FACE OF MY BLESSED SAVIOUR.”

From Fanny Crosby’s optimistic perspective on life, I learn that I need to be content in my visual and hearing impairments because god has a purpose for me and I have a mission that God gave me to me to accomplish. Fanny had every reason to lament life, but she always found reasons to celebrate it. This, I too must do for the glory of the Lord. Like her, may we all not look at the things we don’t have. Instead, may we focus on, appreciate, use, treasure, and thank God for what we already have.

I will always thank the Lord for that very ordinary day. Through my counselor, I was able to have access to the piece of art that ultimately changed my life. With an extraordinary God to back me up, my life will always be special.

I Am Able

NOTE: This is my winning piece to the Onkyo Braille essay Contest in Japan last 2012. 

I have neither seen nor heard much. My left eye has been totally blind since birth while my right eye has always had low vision. My left ear has been totally deaf from birth while my right ear can partially hear sounds, thereby necessitating the use of a hearing-aid. I used to think that mine was the worst and most pitiful situation in this life. However, as I grew in knowledge and wisdom, I learned that losing my senses was nothing worse thanlosing my life's vision.

In spite of the physical challenges that I have to face, I believe that there are still many things to be grateful for. My family loves me despite my multiple disabilities, though they may not show it all the time. They understand my needs and do their best to meet such needs. In addition, I have so many friends who value me. Some of them are not even disabled but they accept me and understand my condition sincerely.

There were times when I felt envious of the people who had no disability, especially those who could read regular print from any distance. I always felt shy every time I went to public places. I could not read fast as I had to put the book very close to my right eye. I had to do that to read the text. Despite my eye condition, nonetheless, I still love reading.

Before I learned Braille, I wondered whether I could finish my studies and how my life would be when I became totally blind in the future. Then everything turned around when, with the help of my Special Education Teacher, my eyes and ears were opened to two life-changing miracles, Braille and the White Cane.

I recall having displayed utter reluctance with regards to learning Braille. At first, I thought there was no need for Braille since I could read Large Print. However, when I noticed that my eye easily got tired of reading, I began to realise the value of knowing and practising Braille. I used to ask help from a sighted person every time my eye got tired, but with Braille, this was no longer necessary. Moreover, since I could read Braille, the pain I felt in my eye due to exhaustion was lessened. Best of all, the people who initially discriminated against me started to show their appreciation of and respect for me. They became more aware and enlightened about the needs of the differently-abled. Some of them even made the effort to learn the proper way of guiding visually impaired persons like me.

I visibly remember how ashamed I felt at the prospect of using the White Cane. But when I decided to give it a try, it proved to be most helpful, especially when I had to walk at night and there was no one to guide me. I could not help noticing the different responses of people when they saw someone with a Cane. Some people simply moved away from me while others kindly offered me assistance. Nevertheless, I cannot deny that now I am really enjoying my independence which I had never thought possible.

After acquiring Braille plus Orientation and Mobility skills, my doubts and fears have started to disappear. I comprehend how important both Braille and the Cane are to me even if I can still see. Joy fills my heart whenever people openly tell me how amazed and inspired they are in knowing that I can do what the sighted are able to do even though I am different from them.

Through Braille and my White Cane, I have gained confidence and realised my worth; I used to wallow in despair, frustration, anxiety and self-pity; but everything has changed after I had acquired Braille and proper mobility skills. Because of my sense of independence, I am no longer fearful of losing my remaining vision and I know I can stand and survive on my own. I have completely accepted my multiple disabilities and I have even considered them as blessings. I am more motivated to face the world and to share the gifts I have been blessed with.

I wish to become an educator of my fellow vision and hearing impaired learners. I want to teach them not only how to write Braille, to walk independently using the Cane, or to communicate via Sign-language. But more significantly, I want to show them the value of accepting our impairments and developing our strengths in order that we may become productive citizens in society. Whatever I do, I aim at advocating for the rights of my fellow persons with disabilities, proving to the world that in spite of my physical limitations, I am able.

I feel The Maker's love in the presence of people who have big hearts for me and my fellow differently-abled persons. They are the kind souls who are understanding and supportive of us. They help us lead normal lives and they know deep in their souls that all we long for is to be treated not with pity but with understanding, patience, acceptance and love. They look not on our limitations but on our potentials and abilities. They know full well how we desire to be treated fairly in society, to be regarded as equals with those who are not physically or mentally impaired. We have a more obvious disability, it is true, but this does not define us or make us less than who we are. We can certainly do many things, albeit in diverse, creative and sometimes even humorous ways.

Like the well-renowned Helen Keller, and many other unnamed individuals who triumphed beyond their physical limits, we, the differently-abled aim and strive to live life to the fullest, thereby showing that we, too, can achieve success.

For many this may be far from reality; as for me, I sincerely believe that through God and with God, everything is a possibility. I may not have seen or heard much, but still I am determined to do more to achieve and make life meaningful for me and for everyone else.