Elesi’s enrolment at the New Horizon Special School was a significant turning point for our family. In many ways, it was an eye-opener for me; until then, I had viewed her more as a liability than a blessing in disguise.
I vividly remember her teachers commending me for the care I provided her. Their praise always felt somewhat misplaced to me.
Deep down, I knew that my assistance was not born out of genuine joy. I was simply fulfilling a duty to please my mother, acting because I felt I had no other choice.
However, school revealed a side of Elesi I never expected. To my surprise, she proved to be a formidable athlete.
She led her school to a first-place finish during the Olympic games for children with disabilities, sweeping medals in the 100-metre dash, the 200-metre race, the 400-metre relay, and the sack race.
She even excelled in that perennial favourite: the lime and spoon race. These sporting events, often supported by UNICEF, became a stage where her hidden strengths finally shone.
She was also a bit of a sensation among her male peers. They frequently teased her about her “back axle” – a playful reference to her notably bouncy gait – which often led to spirited arguments between them.
Despite her impaired vision, I was thrilled to discover that Elesi possesses a talent for handicrafts. She creates beautiful items that the school proudly sells during their speech and prize-giving ceremonies.
Then, there is her voice. While it can be shrill, she sings with a grace that is hard to ignore. She joined the school choir and refused to miss a single rehearsal. Her favourite anthem is one that seems to define her spirit:
> We shall overcome,
> We shall overcome,
> We shall overcome someday.
> Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
> That we shall overcome someday.
Remarkably, she knows almost every hymn in the Methodist Hymn Book by heart. She fellowships at the La Koo Methodist Church in La, Accra, where she has built a wonderful rapport with the congregation.
When the congregation sings or prays, hers is the loudest voice in the room. There is no need to ask what “key” she is in; she is a universal singer who provides the missing link that puts a smile on people’s faces.
In truth, I draw immense inspiration from her. In spite of all her setbacks, she always finds a reason to show gratitude to God, while I often find myself lamenting and questioning Him for all the wrong reasons.
TO BE CONITUED… (Watchout for the concluding part)
By Oyeba Mensah (Actress & HR Practitioner)
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com
