A Very Special Child

Rose May Pimentel in Ang Pinoy Stories

Jun 12, 2020 • 3 min Read

“Disability does not mean inability.”

People wrongly assume that a person with a disability has no ability. Inspiring stories tell how they rise to the challenge and live fulfilled lives. These stories resonate with how the supposed disabled strengthens the ordinary.

This is the story of a special child who lives an exceptional life.

Bernardine Caillan is 21-year old and has moderate cerebral atrophy.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) of the United States (US), cerebral atrophy is a common feature of many of the diseases that affect the brain. Atrophy of any tissue means loss of cells. In brain tissue, atrophy describes a loss of neurons and the connections between them and cerebral atrophy caused Bernardine’s developmental delays. Her intellectual disability is said to be caused by her brain’s abnormal development while she is in her mother’s womb. Clinical studies show that children with cerebral atrophy have their brains age half their real human age. Bernardine is 21 years old but her brain’s age is 10.5 years old.

Bernardine was born with distinct physical features and usually learn and progress more slowly than most other children.

It is sad that people tend to attach some form of stigma to children with disabilities inspite of social progress. Most of their parents prefer to make them stay at home so that they can protect and closely care for them. Bernardine, a grade six student’s story is different.

Bernardine goes to school. She studies with the Special Education (SPED) needs at Padre Gomez Elementary School in Manila. Her teacher describes her as a very smart student, quick learner, and is always willing to learn.

Bernardine’s father is Mr. Ronnie Caillan, a Grab driver. Her mother is Mrs. Bernadette Caillan, a frontline nurse at Ospital ng Tondo. Dindin (Bernardine’s nickname) is an only child. Her older brother Bernardino lived only for two hours after birth because his lungs did not expand.

Dindin’s normal day is school, works on her assignments, and helps her grandmother with the household chores. She regularly washes the dishes, unhangs and fold laundered clothes, sweep the floor, and tons of other chores.

In her spare time, she plays with her cousins and at times cares for her toddler niece and nephew.

Dindin handles gadgets. She knows how to use a smartphone, tablet, and even a computer or laptop. She looks for apps, plays online and offline games as parts of her hobbies. She takes selfies too.

Her community feels her positive personality and love her back in return. She is very popular because she is friendly, jolly, and mingles with the community.

Her family is equally proud of her. Despite her challenges, she lives a normal life and does the routine of a normal person.

She grows and glows because of the extraordinary care, overflowing support, and unconditional love given by the people around her.

Dindin’s story says that we are unique in our own way. What differentiates us is our willingness to share with and care for others.

“Disability must not hamper the ability of a person to lead a normal, happy, and fulfilling life.”