DEAR WATCHERS OF TIME BY TONYE COLE

She had a smile that lit up her face as most smiles do but in her case, her eyes carried a mischievous glint and the bright face a cockiness I couldn’t yet place. As I took my seat beside her, I had no idea who she was or the impact her life story would have on me and the crowd. Delivering my keynote address in honour of the physically challenged, I thought to depart when the host whispered I needed to stay and hear the story of this young lady I’d just met and barely knew. I am so very glad I did. As she stood to take her place, her labored yet determined gait revealed the first visible trait that this was no ordinary young lady and it became evident for all to see that something special may just be in the offing. A victim of cerebral palsy at birth, this balsy young lady talked of her childhood drama and how the support of a semi-literate grandmother determined her ward must never feel less than any other human on earth, taught her to fight and overcome her disability, train her mind over matter, integrate into a school system ignorant of how to deal with children with disabilities and in so doing forced her teachers and schoolmates to learn and accept the value she and others like her brought into their lives and society at large.

The God of All Creation is never one to make a mistake. No birth, regardless of circumstance is an error in His sight and no human being, irrespective of race, gender or tongue is born less equal than another. In one girl’s story was revealed the power of impact the human spirit has over the physical realm and the ability to influence others to be better keepers of their fellow man. In telling her story, the impact on the physically challenged in the room was inspirational while humbling the able bodied audience that more, far more can be done with their lives in their lives. May we be our brother and sister’s keeper today.