A community learns of love from disabled ‘Jimboy’

Joy Maluyo

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A community learns of love from disabled ‘Jimboy’
Barely able to walk straight or speak, Jimboy's life has been difficult, but it has been filled with love and redemption

When he was born, his mother left him with his grandparents, never to be seen again. It would be understandable if he was bitter, but he never has been. Instead, he overcame the raw emotions and imparted practical lessons to the people around him.

When her husband died 5 years ago, Flora was anxious.

“My husband used to be a carpenter. I was worried when he died because I didn’t know how Jimboy and I would survive,” she says. Since then, Flora has been de-husking coconuts so they have enough food.

“Jimboy is very sweet. He collects firewood, fetches water and cleans the house. He does whatever he can to make the work lighter for me. I’m old and there are some things that I can no longer do, but Jimboy tries to carry the burden for me.” 

Flora is already 70 years old.  

DIFFERENTLY ABLED. Jimboy is known in his community for his love for his 70-year old grandmother. Despite physical challenges, he collects firewood and cleans the house just to help. Photo by Cristie Macabe/World Vision

“I did not ask him to do all those things but he insists because he said he wants to help,” a tearful Flora tells.Jimboy is admired by his community for his resilience. He is asked to buy something from a distant store, pump water, do small things in exchange for a little amount of money.   

Even without a word, she knows how Jimboy wants to assure her that they will get through all their challenges.

“My biggest fear is dying because I just know how hard things will be for my grandchild. I know that Jimboy is a fighter, trying hard to be above his condition but I am still afraid. I pray every day that God will continue to sustain us and if in case I die, someone will look after him.” 

A cheerful heart 

When Typhoon Hagupit slammed Eastern Samar on December 6, 2014, their house was badly damaged. Made of light materials, it was engulfed by the fury of the typhoon. 

When Jimboy was asked whether he was afraid of the typhoon, he gave a nod. Asked again what was he was thankful for, he looked at his grandmother and smiled.  

Flora, on the other hand, lost her only source of income. “That was a blow I didn’t expect but although we lost almost everything, I am thankful that we still have each other.”

When World Vision distributed shelter, hygiene kits, jerry cans, emergency items, water and food packs after the typhoon, both were overwhelmed.

“You should have seen me cry, I was so glad. We’ve never had that much,” she smiled.

The tarpaulin they received now serves as the roof of their house. Flora also qualified for World Vision’s unconditional cash transfer, amounting to P3,900 (USD 90).

Flora is one of 500 beneficiaries that will receive this amount, with another 3,250 people benefiting from a cash for work project. – Rappler.com

*USD 1 = 43.9

Joy Maluyo is a Communication Officer for World Vision’s Haiyan Response. She is currently deployed in the Visayas and is moving around World Vision’s assisted areas in Panay Island, North Cebu, and Leyte.

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