Page 93 - KCMAGAZINE 20230717

Peaceful, everlasting, joyous —— those were the three best words I could use

to describe my life. I was privileged, born in a prosperous family with love so bright it
eclipsed the sun. From proper education to a healthy functioning body, I was blessed
and most definitely not among the impoverished. As such, I began to take this God-

given gift for granted. I would look at those in need with disdain; I would look at those
who failed to walk on their own two feet as though they were parasites, all because I was
unable to put myself in their shoes.

Little did I know that the moment I crossed that street, the moment the deafening
screech of a car pricked my ears, the moment I turned my head to see a car propelling
rampantly towards me, and the moment the debris pierced through my eyes, that
everything in my life would take a toll for the worse. As I lay on the ground, what was

an initial blur then became completely black, and from then on, I no longer was able
to hear, nor was I able to see, as the light of day and the sounds of nature drowned out
before me.

I lost my eyesight, I was unable to hear without hearing aids, I was unable to walk
Ever since that day, my life was never the same. I had become physically impaired.
pped
Trapped around without a wheelchair. My life had become no different from those I’d looked

down on, and the candle that coloured my life extinguished, leaving me in total darkness
as my life became dull and monotonous. Everything became a hassle. No matter what
I did, I would require the help of others. I was unable to see what was before me, and

school, my friends who initially took pity on me, gradually started to avoid me as they
in a Box everything I heard was unclear, as though I was submerged in water. Even as I went to
began to feel annoyed at having to help me with each and every thing. I was taught how
to use Braille, but felt as though it was a waste of time. I started to wonder to myself,

with regret lingering deep in my soul: why oh why, did this have to happen to me? Why
Written by Ervin Soong Kai Wen was it that I was the only one unable to hear the voices of those who showered me with

love? Why was it that I was unable to see the radiance of light and the beautiful greenery
that existed around me? Why… did it have to happen to me of all people? I harboured

negative feelings as I questioned myself repeatedly every night with tears streaming
down my face, as I spiralled into the abyss of depression. Just then, one fateful encounter
was able to reignite the flame in my heart.

Illustration by Soo Cheng Mun
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