The amazing Sebastian!

One day last week at the clinic I met Sebastian, a most amazing eleven year old boy. Sebastian had come to the clinic to have his prosthesis adjusted. His prosthesis is fitted below his left knee as he was born with only one foot…and no hands.  While Alexis worked on Sebastian’s leg Sebastian was careening around the clinic, propelling a wheel chair by kicking with his foot. At some point he visited with Sister Isa and borrowed her camera. Yes, Sebastian is quite dexterous with his arms. He balanced the camera on one arm and used the end of his other arm to depress the button! When I attempted to take Sebastian’s picture he became enamored with my camera. So … Sebastian started taking pictures with my camera even though it is a bit heavier than Sister Isa’s camera. Sebastian had patients and staff alike posing for pictures, including myself. 

Eventually, Alexis returned Sebastian’s leg to him and needed to see how well Sebastian was able to walk after the adjustments had been made. As one would expect from an energetic eleven year old, Sebastian marched and sauntered but needed to be coaxed to “walk normal”! With all the clowning around it was apparent to Alexis and all of us that Sebastian was doing well with his prosthesis. When he went to leave Sebastian wished me, “Bonswa” and kissed me on both cheeks as is the custom here in Haiti.

Sebastian amazed me in so many ways. As I watched this young boy careening around the clinic, interacting with patients, staff and visitors I thought of the Salesian’s maxim “ Be who you are and be that perfectly well” !  Although he doesn’t have the benefit of ten toes and ten fingers Sebastian is certainly a most perfect eleven year old boy.