I have a tremendous acquaintance whom I had the pleasure of meeting whilst I was participating in a series of community engagement workshop specifically related to improving the quality of life for people with a disability.
Tom* is a testimony to the ability to rise up against life's challenges and prove that having a disability is no barrier to living a full and wonderful life.
Tom is a volunteer - but not just any volunteer - he has been doing this for a period of over 12 years. He has around 38 or more certificates of appreciation, and has volunteered at the Commonwealth Games whilst it was in Melbourne.
Tom is there to lend a hand to anyone whilst he is volunteering. He is a member of the volunteer crew at the local hospital, and shows people around to where they need to go whilst they are on the very large hospital campus.
He is bright, cheery and nothing short of inspiring. He is ready to lend a hand to just about any cause, and he does so with verve and enthusiasm.
Tom the man is a sweet, gentle yet well humoured middle aged man. He is always ready to strike up a cheery conversation and to share with anyone about his collection of over two thousand pens.
He is a passionate advocate and spokesperson for people with disabilities, and shares of various times when he has stood up for even a stranger who was in a vulnerable situation, and advocated for him or her.
Tom is amazing - it is truly inspirational to be within his orbit. He hasn't let his disability stop him - he is highly capable, and takes every opportunity to learn and develop his skills.
It is people like Tom who bring to our attention that the world would be a sorry, sodden place, without such gems like him. People like Tom help us to remember that sometimes the most important things are about not about how much money we earn, what kind of status we have or what kind of house we have. It is in talking to Tom that I am reminded of the joy and the glee of life, whatever it may entail for myself, and for every person on this planet.
Twelve months ago, he had a serious bout of pneumonia, and was in intensive care. He came out of it, and decided to turn his health and fitness around, and he proudly (and well deserving to be proud) shares that he has lost around 60 pounds, and is feeling fit and better than ever.
Tom has the joy of life in him, and he inspires everyone who enters his presence - and as he goes off again to another place where he volunteers, you can't help but smile in appreciation.
(*Name changed for privacy reasons)
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