Some birds can't fly..

Dulanjani Senarath
1/9/2012
post no-3


Usually a bird is supposed to fly.But some can't do that even though they have got wings.Like wise some people are unable to walk around or do their things by their own as they have become physically handicapped from birth or during life.Cerebral palsy,spinal injuries,myopathies and paralysis following strokes are some common causes.A handicapped person should be looked after well by a well trained person.There is an ideal place for those innocent people in Rajagiriya,The Victoria home..

                          
       It was established in 1888 with 7 patients and now it has 175 patients.The home is maintained mainly by the funds from the government and donations from charitable organizations and individuals.Government funds are used to pay the salaries and bills while meals are funded by the public. They have patients between 18-55 years in 14 wards,both male and female looked after by 50 staff members(director,matron,2 nurses and attendants).

      
       The inmates are provided with food,shelter and sanitary facilities.Most of the patients are in special beds where the attendants can clean them without taking them to the washrooms.Each inmate has their own locker,and nearly 100 have own wheelchair.A doctor from Ragama hospital visits every Sunday for medical checkup and in emergencies they are taken  to NHSL.As extra activities they are taken on trips,to religious places and to cinemas.They have a sport meet organized by the Lion' club.

We got the opportunity to visit that home for handicapped in our 3rd week.There were various kinds of handicapped individuals.Among them,some were involved in making handicraft items.They were so creative and making beautiful items which we can't even imagine how to do so.We heard that they are given the opportunity to sell them and earn money.

 

 

              All most all were happy to see us and they talked with us in a friendly manner.Among them a person known Mr.Upali,talked to us,making us almost crying.

       ''Putha,it's so nice that you all came to see us today..you know,we are having a miserable life here..It's true that this place looks after us perfectly..we too are humans and we are not mentally retarted..but we are handicapped.So we feel lot of pain..as we are not able to live like normal individuals..we feel lonely,and there is no change in our lives..We have to lead a life like this as we have done sins in our previous births.so,don't ever do those things..always wish that even an enemy of yours not to  be handicapped in the next birth''     

                                                                                        His words showed us the reality of their lives and taught us a lesson which is valuable for our lives....