Dignified by Indignity
December 3, is International Disability day. This year, more than ever, this day has actually stayed in my heart and I wonder how many of us know about this day that celebrates our brothers and sisters with disabilites. For me this day, particularly this year, reminded my of a good friend and brother, Joshua Simelane and so I decided to share this article I wrote about him in April 2005, the first time we spent time together. I hope his story inspires you as much as it inspired my life. Joshua's Story Although it is nestled behind tall trees in a small valley, finding Joshua Simelane’s home in hilly rural Maliyaduma wasn’t difficult at all. Much to my disbelief and shock, he had indeed accurately narrated the directions to me; “From the main road, drive about two to three kilometers past two gorges and then past Maliyaduma Primary School, shortly thereafter you will see a small grocery store and right there you can ask anyone where Joshua Simelane’s home is and ...