Mai Vu has faced more adversity in his short lifetime than most ever will.
Soon after he was born, tragedy struck. A debilitating disease caused Vu to suffer convulsions, making it impossible for the infant to move normally. His arms twisted, his mouth contorted and his legs withered.
By his first birthday, Vu’s condition had only worsened. While most toddlers are taking their first steps and beginning to speak, Vu could only lie still. He wasn’t even able to cry, let alone speak.
But one day, his family, living in the central town of Hue, was referred to the Son Ca Center for Disabled Children. It was a life-changing event for Vu.
At the center, teachers helped the boy improve his strength and learn to use his voice. To everyone’s astonishment, Vu was soon able to move his body and could even utter a few words.
He then discovered he could use his toes to clamp pencils and chalk, scrawling his first artwork.
A painter-to-be
Vu’s teachers worked hard to teach him to read and write and the boy became absorbed in learning, writing and drawing.
He felt happiest when he could express his thoughts through his art.
“When I grow up, I want to be a painter,” he said.
At first, Vu tried his best to draw pictures on the floor but his toes quickly became sore from his strained efforts.
Mai Ngoi, Vu’s father, said that in the beginning, drawing was a huge effort for the boy as he had to roll his entire body around to produce a picture.
“We felt distressed seeing him rolling around but we couldn’t prevent him from painting because that is his joy and passion,” Ngoi said.
“We just know to sit near him to encourage him to try his best,” he added.
Now at age 13, Vu has now painted so many pictures that his family can’t remember how many books of art he’s completed.
“I like drawing boats because they can take me further and make me soar in the sky,” he said.
His art is not only for himself but also serves as a source of encouragement for his parents to overcome their difficulties.
“After a working day, I feel my tiredness washed away when seeing my son’s pictures and his efforts,” his father said.
Reported by Minh Phuong |
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