“A regional book launching plus a musicale,” the invitation read. The book is “Flying on Broken Wings” (New Day Publishers), and the musicale was performed by about 120 children with disability—deaf, blind, victims of cerebral palsy, polio, and other orthopedic handicaps; those with down syndrome, autism, learning disabilities; and one with a rare, congenital muscle disease.
And did they perform! As the program progressed, their teachers egged them on in the sidelines, giving hand cues and steps, with proud smiles on their faces. Many of them missed their cues, some just stood there clapping their hands, and some danced to a different drummer. All was perfect! 
Then Vhon, aged seven, who is as small as an infant in a stroller—his muscles soft as jelly—sang, with lung power that belied his condition, two haunting Filipino songs. Princess, sightless from birth, sang ballads like a Broadway star, in perfect pitch, accompanying herself on the keyboard. 
I closed my eyes and begged God to open the gates of heaven and pour upon these special angels on earth the abundance of His grace. I prayed for their parents and teachers, that they may never, ever, tire to care for and nurture these children so that they will reach their full potentials. They are all flying beautifully on broken wings, and I promised myself never to whine again about my tummy ache, muscle spasm, and eye floaters.
Professor Rex Bernardo, organizer of the event, is one of the featured PWD in this book. Wheelchair bound, he has shown the world that the only human bondage is one’s mind. He holds three master’s degrees (one from AIM and one from Australia), a TOYM awardee, and recently voted one of Ten Most Outstanding Persons in the World by JCI (the only one from Asia Pacific). A leader all his life, he was born in Daet; and to Daet he returned despite all his laurels from the outside world.
Yes, he continues to live there with his wife and son, with nothing in mind but the progress of Daet and its people.
O, Daet! How blessed you are for having a Rex, a compassionate mayor in Tito Sarion (he was in the audience), and all the PWD whom you are privileged to care for and nurture.
2 comments:
We take for granted what God has equipped us with; yet He has demonstrated that He can work mightily even through those with physical limitations. We really can't be proud, because at the end of the day, it's really all about His grace.
It was an emotional event for me. You should have seen the kids perform. No doubt about it, they're God's angels on earth!
Post a Comment