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"Life isn’t how we perceive it to be. A tragedy completely changed my life forever. I will never be the same person again, but I know I cannot change my past. I can still make up my future though," says David, while sitting on his wheelchair, holding on to its wheels.
For a moment, we both experience a painful silence. I find it difficult to hide my sadness from David, who lost both his legs in a train accident while going to school back in 2006.
“I was going to school and crossing the track without realising that a train was nearby; many people shouted out, but I thought I could cross the track. Suddenly, my foot got stuck in one of the tracks and I fell. I hit my head and lost consciousness. It was the worst day of my life,” says David.
Devastating life incidents like these are not uncommon in our society. Almost everywhere, there are people with tales to tell. David's story, I found on Facebook, where I saw him posting requests for jobs and tax exemptions.
See: Enabling Pakistan's disabled requires more than a tax-cut
I contacted him and asked for an interview. He happily agreed, giving me his contact number and home address.
David lives in a impoverished vicinity of Drigh Road in Karachi, with his mother and younger sister. I arrive inside a house full of empty kitchen cupboards; it bears evidence of the hardships this family has bore.
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After an exchange of pleasantries, we start conversing. His mother cannot control her emotions during our discussion.
"I still remember the moment when some people gave me the clothes, bag and books of my son. I lost my consciousness on the spot," the grief-stricken mother tells me. "I feared, what would I tell David when he asks me about his legs?"
The fear, she says, haunted her for every single moment, till David regained his conscience.
"He looked at me and said that the tragedy had already taken place. All we had to do was accept it as fate and move on," the mother says.
Take a look: Modern metro bus overlooks people with disabilities
David says there was little to choose between ruing his misfortunes and moving on with life.
"I chose the latter. Sitting in this same wheelchair, I accomplished many of my dreams. I restarted my studies after a gap of one year and completed my intermediate certification. I started watching YouTube videos to understand how a disabled person spends his life. I approached many people online and finally made my personal YouTube channel. More than 3000 views within two days on my motivational video was actually an achievement.
"Fortunately, I have become an inspiration for many others. I often meet people who are disabled and are living their lives with dignity. They respect me for being an inspiration. I completed some computer courses since I have always dreamt of becoming a computer expert. I have done courses in computer networking, CCNA, network plus and more."
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David works at St John's School as a receptionist. To my surprise, David also turns out to be quite an athlete.
“After my disability, I started playing games to relax, and soon realised my skills as basketball player. I uploaded my basketball videos on social media and got a good response. So I contacted the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation to participate in international events, but the main problem is the cumbersome process of getting sponsors from my country. Sadly, this sport has no promotion in Pakistan. I usually play at my workplace to improve my technique.”
Also read: When will the state enable our differently-abled?
On the experience of having to buy a wheelchair for her son, David's mother says, “It was painful beyond words. Only a mother can feel my pain,” she says. Now, however, she is proud of everything her son has accomplished; far from being a liability, he is earning with dignity and supporting his family.
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David John has faced many hardships but managed to pull himself out of them and take control of his life.
The resilience and courage he must have displayed throughout his life comes through in the interview. He is a believer and told me that in times of need, he has always turned to God and never been disappointed.
His parting words were a message for his differently-abled companions:
“If disability stops you from achieving your goals, it means you are mentally defeated. That is the worst kind of handicap. Find fortitude in adversity and you're halfway there.”
—All photos by author
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