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| Ms. Do Thuy Quynh Uyen (center) and other members of the Bien Hoa Club for People with Disabilities exchange and discuss during a meeting. Photo: Quang Minh |
One day, she read a very meaningful quote in a book: "Disability is just an inconvenience, not a misfortune," and many stories about resilience, which awakened a powerful source of strength, helping her to change herself and build a beautiful life.
Efforts to change one's destiny
Overcoming her psychological barriers of inferiority, Ms. Uyen bravely joined the activities of the Bien Hoa Club for People with Disabilities, under the Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin in Dong Nai Province. There, the spirit of solidarity, joy, and love among those in similar circumstances warmed her heart. The tears of suffering and sorrow gradually dried, replaced by a bright face and eyes full of hope.
Ms. Uyen said: "Most people with disabilities share a common fear of being looked down upon by others. This fear causes us to retreat into our own small, isolated world . However, when we participate in club activities, learn, and interact with others, these psychological barriers gradually lessen."
An open mind helped Ms. Uyen find joy and become more confident in communicating with others. One day, her heart yearning for love met a fellow sufferer: Mr. Nguyen Minh Nhat, a man with a mobility disability, but who stood out for his maturity and confidence in front of crowds. His conversations were always filled with humor and joy, making those around him forget their fatigue and limitations, and view life with a positive, optimistic, and hopeful attitude.
Anh Nhật said: “Upon meeting Uyên, I immediately felt an attraction. She appeared gentle on the outside, but inside she possessed a strong, decisive will to live. I admired her philosophy of life: bravely facing the truth, nurturing a positive outlook to transform pessimism into optimism, weakness into strength, and adversity into motivation. Those sincere shared experiences and deep empathy connected us, leading us to build our life together in 2007.”
Uyên's small family embarked on a new journey. Joy followed joy when, in 2008, their daughter, Nguyen Ha Dan Anh, was born healthy and beautiful. Nhat found a job at a company near their home. Taking advantage of their house being located on the main street of the neighborhood, Uyên started various jobs to make a living. According to her, no one gets to choose their starting point, but everyone has the right to improve their life in their own way. Therefore, no matter the circumstances, she always strives to do her best.
In reality, she herself has experienced several failures in business, but she has always persevered. Currently, Ms. Uyen is settled in her fresh flower arranging profession and is satisfied with it, because it involves artistic labor, a hobby she has cherished since her youth.
“Before I overcame my feelings of inferiority, I suddenly realized that I am just an ordinary person like everyone else in the world. It's just that I was unfortunate enough to have a disability, which made things more difficult and challenging for me than others. Therefore, I always found the motivation to live happily and joyfully. And there are so many good things around me.”
Ms. DO THUY QUYNH UYEN, Vice Chairperson of the Bien Hoa Club for People with Disabilities
A person who inspires a strong zest for life.
Not only has she built a happy and harmonious family for herself, but for many years, as the Vice President of the Bien Hoa Club for People with Disabilities, Ms. Uyen has always been a unifying figure among the members. With her gentle demeanor, warm smile, and friendly gaze, she has always earned the trust and affection of everyone.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Yen (residing in Ho Nai 1 neighborhood, Long Binh ward), a member of the club, said: “Uyen is a strong and resilient woman. It is this strength that allows Uyen to take control and overcome her difficulties. She always radiates positive energy. We admire Uyen's current life.”
“Every time I meet Uyen, I always ask about the achievements she has made recently. Partly to congratulate her, and partly to give myself more motivation to strive. I think I don't need to learn from anywhere far away; I can learn right from Uyen and the other members of the club. Because everyone has their own difficulties, we encourage each other to keep trying,” shared Ms. Pham Thi Thu Thuy (resident of Ward 4, Ho Nai Commune), a member of the Bien Hoa Club for People with Disabilities.
“In my eyes, Ms. Uyen is a respected leader. Therefore, in activities, workshops, and training sessions to enhance the capacity of people with disabilities in Dong Nai province, we often ask her to participate in forums, give speeches, and share stories about her own resilience and strong will to overcome challenges, so that club members can learn from and emulate her.”
Ms. TRAN THUY QUYNH NGAN, Communications Manager, Center for Research and Development of Disability Capacity, under the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations.
Quang Minh
Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/202512/vuot-nghich-canh-xay-hanh-phuc-cc32145/
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