The Unknown Student
I had been out of hospital for about three months. Two weeks of those had been spent paralyzed on a hospital bed. It was after I was discharged that I found out that I had had Polio.
Fortunately, I did not lose the functions of any of my lower limbs, but there were other ways Polio had left its mark (story for another day).
I had fallen ill mid-way through the third term of my first year in secondary school. So I didn’t get to complete the session with my classmates. Thankfully, there was the long break before the new session, and that gave me enough time to recover before resuming for another academic year.
Even then, I was still weak. A 10m walk would have me feeling so tired, flike my legs would give way.
So why on earth did I accept to go for an excursion that the school organised for second year students.
That morning, a teacher walked into class and randomly chose some of us to go on a visit to Obasanjo Farms in Ogun State. My classmates knew what I had been through and advised me not to go given my current condition. But I was adamant. I wanted to go, I had to go. And I went.
My first challenge. I couldn’t board the steps into the school bus. The first step was quite some distance off the ground, so I just climbed in with my knee and had to be helped up the remaining steps.
When we got to the farm, I waited till everyone had alighted, then I got off. Another student stayed with me and helped me.
We walked a lot that day, and I was always at the back of the group, but this student stayed by my side throughout helping me.
I can’t remember who exactly it was, and I have asked my classmates if anyone could remember the incident, but no one can.
I can never forget that act of kindness, and I will always be grateful to her for being with me that day.
I guess there is a reason we are encouraged to show kindness. You may never know just how much you have helped someone or even what you have saved them from.
Their prayers and good thoughts will follow you forever.
Erm, and about those who are not grateful…let’s not even bother. We don’t live for gratitude.
Day 28 of the Not Enough Writers 30-Day Writing Challenge
