Did I walk

Ndumiso Ndlovu was born into a small village in South Africa, with clubfeet that curved inwards at an awkward angle. From a young age, he was keenly aware of his difference, especially when looking down at his feet compared to those of his peers. Despite this physical challenge, Ndumiso was determined to live as fully and bravely as any other child.

 

Ndumiso had a close-knit group of friends, his "homies," who did everything together. He often found himself walking behind them, trying to match his footsteps to theirs in an effort to hide his curved feet. But no matter how he tried, his clubfeet were a constant reminder of his uniqueness.

 

One day, while walking behind his friends, Ndumiso came to a sudden stop. He realized that no matter how hard he tried to walk in their footsteps, his feet would always be different. It was a moment of harsh clarity, but Ndumiso knew he had to accept it. His clubfeet were a part of him, and he couldn't change that no matter how much he wished he could.

 

As the years passed, Ndumiso learned to embrace his differences. Despite a time when his feet became so painful that he couldn't walk at all, he refused to let it hold him back. Crawling around his home on his hands, Ndumiso was determined to keep moving forward, a testament to his resilience and unwavering spirit.

 

Throughout it all, his friends never treated him any differently. They accepted Ndumiso for who he was, clubfeet and all, supporting and encouraging him to face each challenge head-on. In their friendship, Ndumiso found a source of strength and acceptance that helped him navigate through life's obstacles.

 

Ndumiso Ndlovu may have been born with clubfeet, but he never allowed it to define him. He was a courageous young man who faced his challenges with determination and grace. His clubfeet were just a small part of his story, overshadowed by his unwavering spirit and the unwavering support of his friends. Through it all, Ndumiso inspired those around him with his resilience and his ability to overcome any obstacle with a brave and hopeful heart.