Hope

Hope is what keeps us moving on even though everything may seem to be lost. Hope is like a light in the tunnel, showing us the way out of the dark and unpleasant place. Hope is what changed my life forever that fateful night…

Ever since that incident, I had been confined in a wheelchair, always needing to depend on others for support. I had lost all hope that time, thinking that I was never going to stand and use my own legs again. I hated everything, including myself, having to depend on someone for something as simple as going to the washroom. I had become resentful, blaming everything on others. I cannot even imagine that I would ever be able to stand on my two feet again. All the doors seem to close on me, trapping me in that small pitch black room.

That day, I was sitting on my wheelchair as always and staring into space. I tried to stand to grab a book on the top shelf but failed and tumbled down onto the floor. The thought that I could not do anything without anyone’s help made my vision blur. I started to grab anything within my reach and throw them across the room, frustrated at my inability at doing anything. I heard the door open and my mother’s sweet perfume wrapped around me. The next thing I knew was her cradling me like a baby while I cried, complaining about how the shelf was too high. I learnt that I should never do anything like that again.

While I was reading the book, I heard a knock on my window. Curious, I finally opened up the window, letting fresh air and light in. Laughter sounded from far away and I caught a glimpse of three boys in school uniform holding a slingshot and hurrying away. I dismissed the thought of what they were doing there and noticed a small seed shimmering in the sunlight among a pile of pebbles buried in the soil just outside my house. That must have been what they were using to shoot. For some reason, I felt attracted to this small and fragile life. Perhaps, it was because I felt both of us had some similarities, being weak and feeble. I decided to water the seed and take care of it.

The next week, I was delighted to find out the seed had germinated. It had even grown tiny green leaves. I caressed the leaves gently, awing at the smooth texture. It opened up a window in my small dark room, touching my heart and bringing it back to life. I felt that it was the light that I longed to find to get out of that dark and creepy tunnel. The little seed kept growing and remained strong despite the bad weather and the uncomfortable environment. From then on, I always opened my window and remained positive. My room transformed from an unpleasant “dungeon” to a bright and lively haven for me. My mood improved every day slowly, my mother could also see the change and helped me took care of the small plant.

Slowly, I regained hope in my life and practiced every day to try to stand on my own. However, this time, I was not disheartened every time I fail; I would be more determined to achieve my goal. Finally, one day, I stood up, wobbling on my two legs, joy rushing through my body when I felt the cold wooden floor creaking as I walked. I stumbled to my mother, collapsing in her arms, telling her about how I could stand just now. I continued practicing until one day, I could finally walk normally again.

I grew stronger and matured more as time passed but the small little plant slowly withered away. I was devastated at that but I remembered what it brought me with those soft green leaves and stem. It gave me hope. It was when I started believing in hope that I was able to stand again. Who knew that a little plant could make such a difference in a person’s life? Thank you, little guy…