By Monica J. Williams
This story is about a friend who has gained my utmost admiration and respect. In my eyes, she is an object of veneration. I’m always in awe of her sheer willpower.
Sandra was born with Down Syndrome (trisomy 21). This meant Sandra had delayed bodily developments – as well as intellectual disabilities. Like most of us, life was a real bitch for Sandra.
Sandra, for one thing, isn’t a regular sized person. Her physical appearance is – some people say – unearthly. She has never been a favorite because of her flawed appearance (the short neck, tiny limbs, abnormally small ears, large tongue etcetera). Like most people born with Down Syndrome, whenever Sandra speaks, her words come out slurred. It is almost impossible to make out what she is saying most of the time. Sandra’s movements are awkward; her every attempt to reach out is clumsy.
Some people make fun of Sandra. Some pity her. But, God, I regard her. Sandra, despite it all, has never been the one to let a disability define her. She is a natural go-getter. A real dynamo.
When Sandra had just begun her educational sojourn, most people clucked their tongues and shook their heads and openly declared that it was a waste of time and money. But Sandra wouldn’t hear any of it. she went to high School and graduated at the ripe age of twenty-six. Boy, it was a teary occasion.
Honestly, I don’t even know anybody with a Down Syndrome who has completed high school. Do you?
Sandra’s family and friends didn’t think she had what it took to make it through high school. But Sandra proved she was up to the task.
And did Sandra stop there? Nope, she didn’t. she wasn’t contended with a mere high school diploma. She wanted more. Full of her usual zest, she went on to sit a university entrance. Unfortunately, when the results were up, Sandra was unsuccessful. But was she deterred? Nope. She tried…again and again and finally, she got accepted by the University of Liberia. Six years later, Sandra marveled all by walking away with a Bachelor Of Education (B. Ed).
The thing is, Sandra is from an enormous family; most of her Brothers and sisters (who are regular, healthy people) didn’t make it to college. But a woman with a severe disability did. Applause.
Glad that she’d acquired a degree – something tons of people believed was next to impossible – Sandra decided to give back to society. She now teaches at an elementary school in Brewerville, helping to prepare future generations.
A couple of days ago I decided to visit Sandra at the school – just because, you know, every time I speak with her I’m motivated anew.
Every time we meet I’m super curious about the next big thing she is planning. And so, I eagerly asked about her 2020 resolutions.
And she responded calmly, “Oh, not much. I just want two things.”
“What are they?” I gushed.
“I want to write a Book. It will be titled: Living with Down syndrome and Overcoming it.”
I was baffled, and when I finally found my voice, I asked, “What’s the other resolution?”
She answered, “To start schools for people with disabilities. With the help of government and foreign aids, this shall be possible.”
I sat there, gawking at Sandra, dumfounded. In fact, I was feeling a tinge of envy: like, how???? How can she want so much?? How can a woman who was born with Down Syndrome – a woman who has difficulties with brain and bodily functions – want so much? How? I couldn’t wrap my mind around it.
“You can do it, girl. I believe in you,” I said. And I meant it. And in that moment, I felt so damn lucky to be considered Sandra’s friend. She’s a superhuman. I can’t wait to see what life has in store for Sandra. But I’m very certain of one thing, tho: she’s destined for greatness.
Bottom-line: Don’t everrrrrrrrrrr give up. No matter how shitty things get, bring your A‘Game, baby, and put up an impressive fight.