Celebrating disability
Gavilian Green, writes:
On Saturday, 6 June 2015, I was involved in a life-changing tragedy that resulted in a near-death experience.
I was the front passenger of a white Volkswagen Polo GTI that was written off on the R102 Stilbaai road.
The driver lost control of the vehicle and we rolled multiple times, resulting in my having a traumatic right, below-knee amputation.
Life has been very challenging. I had my own ups and downs. I don’t believe there is a person who ever wants to walk in my shoes.
For a 32-year-old person, first of all I don’t judge people. The honest truth is I am still confused, confused as to why the traumatic incident happened to me? I still raise questions at times. Life was normal and everything was great, until that one day came when everything changed and life was not so normal anymore. Depending on your age, you won't know how to feel about this. Maybe you have a physical disability that you have lived with since the day you were born. Your disability might come later in life.
You might have a learning disability. You may wish you didn’t have to deal with all that comes with a disability. There might be days when you wish you didn't have to live with a disability. There might be days when you wish you could be like everyone else, but you should not feel that way. In my opinion a person who lives with a disability is in a weird way being blessed.
I see the world differently now, as I am defined by my disability. I am not disabled, I am otherwise able, and through my ability I have learnt to adapt, and to achieve the impossible.
My message of hope: never give up. I am still serving the same South African Police Service with pride and with dedication. I will protect and serve the community.
I am celebrating four years of disability.