Autobiography of a disable child

 Autobiography of a disabled child 

        I was stricken by polio when I was just four years old and therefore, hardly have any memories of the delightful days when I could walk and run like other normal children. Two crutches and steel strips to hold up my sagging knees have been with me so long that they almost seem to be a part of me. I have learned to live with them all my life. 

        After I was affected by the dreadful disease, my parents spent thousands of rupees to cure me. They had me treated by well-known doctors and leading physiotherapists. My weak legs just could not carry my weight. Till I reached the secondary school stage, my mother used to take me to school and bring me back every day by taxi. Then my family had some financial difficulties and my mother's parents that I would go and come by bus on my own. The first few days were very difficult. Hobbing to the bus stop, waiting there for a long time, and then boarding the vehicle and getting off was very trying. But everyone was very kind. Before ringing the bell the conductor would wait till I had safely boarded or alighted from the bus. My fellow passengers, too, were always kind and not only gave me preference in the queue but also helped me to get on the bus. This help and co-operation of fellow being strengthened my faith in the goodness of human nature.

        I was the only physically handicapped child in my class, therefore, to be alone and sit out of all the physical education, periods. Though I joined the picnics, outings, and other activities and my teachers and classmates went out of their way to make me comfortable, I could not actively participate in all the activities. So I turned more and more to the company of books. In them, I found, and still find, my true and faithful friends. I remain happily occupied in their company.

        Today the progress of science has made the prevention and early cure of polio possible. I am glad that, because of the progress of science fewer children will have to suffer as I have suffered.