Nick Vujicic (R) talks with a Vietnamese girl who was born without upper limbs at the “Shining Vietnamese Fortitude” Gala in Ho Chi Minh City on May 21. Photo: Diep Duc Minh
Australian motivational speaker Nick Vujicic told a Ho Chi Minh City audience that he’s been inspired by many handicapped Vietnamese.
“I am personally inspired by every single story that we’ve heard so far, very heart touching,” he said at the “Shining Vietnamese Fortitude” Gala on Wednesday (May 21).
The event, jointly-held by the Vietnam Youth Federation, Thanh Nien Newspaper, Vietnam Television and Hoa Sen Group, was organized to honor people who’d overcome great difficulties in life with their strong wills.
“I personally am not more inspirational than anyone you have seen. Everyone has a story. We all go through ups and downs. We need to first of all love each other and try to see vision of a brighter future,” said Vujicic, who was born without all four limbs.
Vietnamese inspirations
The gala audience heard the story of Hiep, who was diagnosed with cancer six years ago but has struggled to keep living due to his love for his baby daughter.
After overcoming his fatal illness and living happily with his daughter, he suffered another trauma when she died in an accident.
He was able to overcome the tragedy, once again, by commiserating with his wife.
In another story, Nguyen Chung Tu, a 20-year-old student at the HCMC University of Science, once asked his mother “Why didn’t you abandon me??” because he was paralyzed for being infected with dioxin passed on by his father.
His mother answered: “Because you are my son.”
His mother has carried Tu to and from on her shoulders for years now.
“I hoped the second son would be healthy and help me carrying his brother to school,” she said.
But her second son, Nguyen Chung Thao, was also born without the ability to move his limbs.
“I don’t know how much further I can struggle to take care of my children,” the mother said.
A total of 21 cases have been honored at the Gala night and many people could not help control their tears watching their stories.
‘Striving for a vision!’
At the Gala, Vujicic, who came to Vietnam the first time for a speech last year, shared his story to the audience.
“When my parents first saw me without arms and legs, they didn’t know what kind of future I would have. I didn’t have a vision for my life.”
“But every storms that comes must pass. As we look back on the years, we’re still here. So keep striving for a vision!” he said.
The motivational speaker shared his strong will through humorous stories about himself.
“There is one advantage to have with no limbs. I don’t have to wash my hands before I eat. I don’t have to tie my shoes laces. But when I go swimming—because I am a little man–when I jump in the pool or the ocean, I float. As long as I have air in my lungs, I float,” he said.
Once, he was playing at sea with his friends and a friend was holding him when a big wave came and pushed him out of his hands.
He tried to stay afloat and his friends spotted him before he was smashed by another wave.
“I just waited. I did not panic. Panicking is the worst thing you could do. Panicking doestn’t change anything. So be calm. Take one day at a time! Even when your life feels like a wave of troubles are bashing against you.”
“Envison yourself coming up!”
SHINING VIETNAM FORTITUDE PROGRAM |
The program was jointly held by the Vietnam Youth Federation, the Hoa Sen Group, Thanh Nien newspaper and Vietnam Television in order to continue the inspirational message that Nick Vujicic brought to Vietnamese community in 2013. The Gala was held in Ho Chi Minh City on May 21 and will be held in Hanoi on May 24. Through the “Shining Vietnamese Fortitude” program, the organizing committee hopes to orient the youth toward a good ideology of life by sharing the true and touching stories of people who overcame their adversities. Additionally, the organizing committee wants to honor disabled people who have strived to overcome their difficulties to make a positive contribution to the community. |
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