From a young age, Habtamu Belay had his own dream—a dream not just to survive, but to thrive. He envisioned a future where he could overcome life’s challenges and create a life filled with purpose and success. His dreams were fueled by a deep sense of hope. Though uncertain of what life might bring, he was confident that, one day, he would find himself in a better position.
To him, this was not merely an aspiration, but a certainty. He understood that success required more than desire; rather it demands hard work, persistence, and determination.
For Habtamu, wealth is not just measured in material terms, but in fulfillment and purpose. Thus, believing that consistent and persistent actions lead to meaningful results, each day he worked untiringly targeting to realize his long sought ambition.
However, in one of the odd days, everything changed in an instant. Following a health check-up he conducted, Habtamu heard the unexpected and heartbreaking news that turned his world upside down.
The doctor, reviewing Habtamu’s medical results, told him the hard truth that would alter Habtamu’s life forever- the young man had been diagnosed with a severe illness that was beyond the point of treatments. Even worse, the doctor stated that the case would lead him to serious complications and affect his entire body, restricting his movement; limiting his ability to perform even the simplest actions.
The bad news shattered Habtamu’s world. What had once felt within reach now appeared impossible. His dreams, hopes, and goals seemed to vanish before his eyes. It was not only the diagnosis; but the thought of what it meant for his future sent shivers down his spine.
A wave of despair swept over him, leaving him swamped in a storm of grief, disbelief, and an overwhelming sense of loss. His once-vibrant future seemed to collapse, and the path he had so carefully planned was now appeared blocked. All that remained was a deep, painful silence. The words that once empowered him now felt hollow and meaningless.
The reality of his illness—a condition that could not be easily cured— filled him with ambivalence.
As he stated to EPA, the moment was too frustrating and a thing that cannot be expressed in words. For days, Habtamu was consumed by sorrow. Anxiety and exhaustion took over him. His thoughts were endlessly circling back to his diagnosis, leaving him helpless. There seemed to be no way out. Then, in the midst of his despair, he made a decision- not to remain locked in the invisible shadow of grief; but to look for a way out by any means. Finally, seeking divine guidance to lessen his burden, take time for himself and soothe his troubled soul, he went to the nearby monastery where the noise of the world could not reach him.
The sounds of human voices faded behind him, and replaced by the soothing melodies of birds. At the monastery, he spent three days in deep reflection, alone with his thoughts. The silence was thick, but it allowed him to think—really think—about what mattered. And after those three days, something changed. He realized that while his body might be frail, his mind and spirit remained unbroken.
The time marched on, and the world continued its cycles. The first three days that he had decided to stay turned into weeks, months and even seasons. But Habtamu did not return to his old life. He withdrew from the world, not out of defeat, but with a desire to reconnect with his inner strength. He spent his days in solitude, praying and reflecting, often in the monastery where he had found inner peace. Time elapsed so swiftly and Habtamu, who at first intended to stay for only three days, ended up staying for five consecutive years.
But then, one day, Habtamu woke up in unbearable pain. His legs were numb, paralyzed in a way he could no longer move his body. The idea of recovery seemed distant, and each day was filled with physical struggle. Turning his neck, moving even the smallest part of his body, became a battle.
The season was the fasting time of Lent when many Christians commit to fasting. Habtamu’s longing for salvation intensified, and he found solace in prayer. Above all, the notion that “in life, whatever is going to happen, is going to happen and whatever is not going to happen, is not going to happen’ gave him the strength to face the reality and move forward.
“I can endure anything. I will bear up and overcome whatever comes my way,” he promised to himself. These words became source of his strength. His spirit, once dimmed, reignited. From that moment on, Habtamu felt a shift within him. He began to rise, not physically, but emotionally and spiritually, ready to embrace a new chapter in his life. This marked the beginning of Habtamu’s transformation. He discovered a new sense of purpose that went beyond his physical limitations.
Leaving his past behind, today, Habtamu has found his own path in life and entered a new chapter.
Taking part at the Fourth Edition of the Focus on Ability Ethiopia Film Festival, a competition celebrating the achievements and abilities of people with disabilities and encouraging the community to become more aware of their contributions, Habtamu won, owing to his short film titled “Good View.”
This short film was also selected as popular and interesting film at the international competition, representing the country.
At the film, Habtamu reflected his own story- his struggles, triumphs, his journey toward self-acceptance, how he continues to pursue his dream despite his disability as well as his future ambitions.
Habtamu aspires to become one of the leading business persons in Ethiopia and contribute his share to the growth of his country and community.
According to him, disability does not mean inability; rather persons with disability are strong people who can face and overcome challenges with strength and resilience; no matter in what situation they may be in. In this regard, there are countless individuals with disabilities, who can turn their disabilities to their strength and bring about tangible outcomes.
“I am a winner,” he always says, for overcoming his obstacles, achieving success and reaching where he is now. Truly, Habtamu is a winner who can make a name for himself through overcoming obstacles with strength, resilience, determination, and unwavering hope.
At the fourth edition of the “Focus on Ability” festival held at the premises of the British Council, other films that won international awards were also received recognition.
BY ELIZABETH MENGISTU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 2024
