“I am very happy that our government is celebrating this National Disability Prevention Week and I am also equally happy that I, as a disabled person, have been invited to speak to you.
The theme of the celebration is “Disability Prevention”. However, I am not in a position to talk to you about disability prevention because I am an accountant by profession.
But I am here to share with you my experiences, my life as a disabled person. How I was able to survive for the past 37 years. How one lives with disability. I believe this is more important to talk about because disability is a done deal and living with disability is another deal.
When I was two or three years old, my father referred me to a specialist at the UST Hospital to diagnose my disability for possible cure. The medical term of my disability is MORQUIOS but my father did not allow any operation because I was given a 50/50 chance of survival. And the doctor said that without operation I could live up to 35 years.
So, here am I, still alive and kicking and I am already 37 years old, two years bonus from God and or which I am deeply grateful.
MY life span as a disabled person could be attributed to the following factors:
The first factor, is the care and concern of my parents, most especially our mother who died about two years ago. Without the love, care and concern of my mother, I would not be here with you now.
The second factor, is my education. I had a comparatively good education from elementary to college. I finished my BS Accountancy at St. Paul University in Tuguegarao. I took the CPA exams but unfortunately I was not able to make it.
The third factor, is my cordial relationship with my family, relatives, friends and other people that I meet. My being a friendly person.
The fourth factor, is my mental attitude and firm determination to go on living and working despite my physical disability and weakness. My sincere thanks and deep gratitude to Dr. Albert de Leon for having employed me as bookkeeper of their hospital for the past nine or ten years up to the present. Maraming salamat Doc.
The fifth factor, is my great trust in the love and care of Almighty God, the source and giver of everything. He gave me this life and I am sure he will sustain me till death. Lord, thy will be done.
These are the factors that have sustained my life up to this time. These are the factors that helped me to think, act, work and talk like any normal person.
I share these thoughts with you especially the disabled people like me so that you will not get desperate in life. Life is a wonderful gift of God. We should treasure and live it. Disability should not be a hindrance to success. On the contrary, disability should be the key or the striking force to attain our goals in life, especially to be with God forever after our earthly life.
Remember, life is temporary. Everything and all our sufferings will come to an end. What counts most is how we live with our fellowmen and to be with God forever.”
May these words of JOJO inspire us to live our life in whatever situation we may be, ever conscious that our destiny is to “be with God, our Father, forever”.
By: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
February 7, 2010
February 7, 2010
