Escrito por JC Montenegro

In a memorable encounter, I had the opportunity to have dinner with three extraordinary individuals: Aldo, Alex, and Father Jaime. These individuals, two of whom live in wheelchairs due to life-altering accidents, shared with me three fundamental values that have made a difference in their journeys: resilience, awareness, and empathy. Through their words, I discovered life lessons that can inspire us all to face our own challenges with courage and compassion.

1. Resilience: Empowering through Learning

Aldo, the executive director of Don Bosco on Wheels, emphasized the importance of genuine resilience. For him, being resilient means facing reality without victimizing oneself and embracing each experience as an opportunity for growth. Genuine resilience is a process of feeling and learning. This perspective invites us to empower ourselves through learning and to utilize our experiences to become better and stronger individuals.

2. Awareness: Adapting and Anticipating

Awareness is another essential value highlighted by Aldo and Alex. It involves understanding and recognizing our own needs and capabilities and being conscious of the environment we find ourselves in. For example, when they enter a restaurant, the first thing they do is assess whether the restroom is wheelchair accessible. This anticipation allows them to make informed decisions and adapt to circumstances. Awareness prompts us to stay one step ahead, evaluate our options, and take proactive measures to ensure our well-being in any situation.

3. Empathy: Understanding and Assisting Others

Empathy, the third value emphasized by Aldo and Alex, is a powerful quality that connects us with others. Although we may not experience exactly what someone in a wheelchair goes through, we can seek to understand their limitations and challenges. This understanding compels us to help and shorten the learning curve for those around us. Empathy urges us to be compassionate, offer support, and promote inclusivity in our society.

Final Reflections:

The experience of dining with Aldo, Alex, and Father Jaime left a profound impression on me. It made me reflect on my own life and how I can apply these values in my day-to-day existence. Resilience inspired me to face my challenges with courage and learn from my experiences. Awareness reminded me of the importance of being attentive to my needs and adapting to circumstances. And empathy motivated me to seek a deeper understanding of others and be an agent of change in the lives of those around me.

Ultimately, the ability to make a difference in our lives and in the lives of others is a precious gift. By learning from people with disabilities, we can cultivate resilience to overcome obstacles, develop greater awareness of our surroundings and ourselves, and foster empathy to build a more inclusive and compassionate society. Together, we can transform our lives and make a meaningful impact in the world we inhabit.