Their spirit is uplifting, their courage is admirable and their refusal to be treated differently shows that they are as normal as people withour disabilities. What is also touching about their stories is their faith and how their families encouraged them and lifted them from despair.

WORDS WORTH

by Mons Romulo - Tantoco

Manuel "Noli" v. Agcaoili, President of Nova Foundation (wheelchair-bound): Nurturing. education and sheer determination. When I fell ill with polio at two years old, my mother was devastated but refused to leave my hospital bedside in the six months it took me to recover. Although heartbroken, she never openly showed her sorrow, and once I got well it was back to business for her. When I was growing up, my mother nourished me well, and never made me feel incapable of doing anything I wanted. She treated me no differently from my brothers and sisters. She impressed upon me the conviction that it was only my body that was impaired and that my heart and spirit remained whole. That I could do anything and be anyone I wanted to be.

Even thought it was eating her up inside, she pushed me to do my share of household chores, go to school via public transport the way my siblings did and live anormal life as best as I could. She told me not to expect any special treatment - true enough. O did not get any. But I never wanted for love and caring, In that respectm she loved my siblings and me unconditionally but her brand of discipline was fair and unerring. She nurtured me well and did not allow me to whine or rail at my fate. I did not go to any special school. I plodded on in regular school, learning to be tough, not minding the taunts and curious stares of other children.

Finally, it was my determination, my desire to make something of myself despite outward physical frailties. Call it chutzpah, temerity or whatever. I call it taking charge of my life.