There are still many taboos around talking about disability and the impact it has on those that have to live with it. In Vietnam, the situation is worse as there is little help for those that are differently abled (as they say in India).
I met this young man when I was volunteering for an NGO in Vietnam. His strength of character, his positive attitude and desire to succeed shone through. We talked about his life and how he wanted to be independent, support himself and create a good life.
Inspiration can come from many places and after my talk with him, I wanted to draw his portrait to remind me of all those endearing qualities. His smile showed his strength and I wanted to remember him in this way; and I wanted him to see himself the way I do.
Who knows, one day I may discover the source of this unlimited willpower he had managed to tap into. There are lessons for us to learn from every person that crosses our path.
