22/08/2023
*The of Tandin Dorji*
In the unpredictable journey of life, we often encounter challenges and sorrows that we cannot foresee. Such is the story of Tandin Dorji, a young boy whose life took an unexpected turn when he was just two years old.
Tandin was born into a world filled with happiness and love, surrounded by his caring parents, Apa and Ama, and an elder brother named Ugyen Wangchuk. His mother's affection for him knew no bounds. But at the tender age of two, Tandin's world was shattered by a sequence of events that he could never have predicted.
Tandin's father, originally from Paro, took the family to attend an annual ritual there. After the ceremony, his grandmother offered for him to stay with her and his grandfather, but he vehemently refused. His heart longed to be with his beloved parents. Tragically, during their journey back home, an unforeseen accident charged his life into darkness. Miraculously, he survived the accident, but his body was forever changed.
After the accident, Tandin and his family were admitted to Thimphu Hospital, where they faced not only the physical and emotional trauma but also the challenge of being far from home with no one to turn to. Their recovery came in the form of an American tourist named Linda, whose generous assistance, particularly towards Tandin, was invaluable. However, the accident left Tandin with half of his body paralyzed.
A year later, Tandin was discharged from the hospital, and for a brief period, life seemed to regain some semblance of normality. He was back with his loving parents, cherishing each moment. However, life's unpredictability was far from over.
As the saying goes, "we cannot predict our future." One fateful morning, Tandin's family found themselves at a crossroads. With tears streaming down his face, he clung to his mother, knowing he had no say in the decision. His father took his elder brother, and they departed, leaving a heartbroken six-year-old Tandin with his mother.
For the next three years, Tandin remained with his mother, relegated to a wheelchair, watching other children walk to school from his vantage point on the roadside. His heartfelt desire was to walk and study like his peers. It was during this challenging period that he reconnected with Linda, the same tourist who had helped him earlier.
Linda made a life-changing promise to Tandin; she would sponsor his education until he completed class ten. He attended Khasadrapchhu Middle Secondary School up to class seven, with his cousin brother providing much-needed care. Despite the daily struggles, Tandin never gave up on his studies, studying diligently and bringing joy to others with his singing and sharing of school supplies.
Tandin's talents extended beyond academics; he excelled in singing and composing music. He achieved first position in his class for both sixth and seventh grades. Despite the hardships he faced, he actively participated in various extracurricular activities such as singing competitions, essay writing, tsangmo competitions, and Dzongkha debates, consistently leaving his mark on his school life.
However, another cruel twist of fate awaited him. A fall from his wheelchair resulted in a fractured right leg, leading to another hospitalization and a year-long hiatus from his studies. He had just completed class seven when this setback occurred.
Upon his return, Tandin faced the grim reality of having no one to look after him. He contemplated giving up on his education, believing it was impossible to continue. Yet, deep down, he harbored a profound ambition, one that he was determined to pursue despite the odds.
The unpredictable journey of Tandin Dorji had been filled with unforeseen challenges and heartaches. Yet, with unwavering determination and an indomitable spirit, he continued to strive for a brighter future.
Story source: Tandin Dorji
