In the Class 10 English chapter 'Attitude is Altitude', students read the inspiring true story of Nick Vujicic, a man born without arms and legs. A common exam question is to write a diary entry expressing Nick's deepest feelings of despair when he attempted to drown himself in the bathtub at age 10, and his subsequent realization.
Nick Vujicic suffers from an extremely rare medical disorder called Tetra-amelia syndrome.
Today, Nick is one of the most famous and highly-paid motivational speakers in the world, proving that his 'Attitude' truly became his 'Altitude'.
Date: Tuesday, 14th August 1992 Time: 9:30 PM Salutation: Dear Diary,
Today was the darkest day of my entire life. I looked at myself in the mirror and felt nothing but absolute disgust and hopelessness. Why did God make me like this? A torso without arms and legs. Every day at school is a nightmare; the bullying and the cruel stares break my heart. I feel like a massive burden to my loving parents.
Unable to bear the pain anymore, I asked mom to put me in the bathtub. I tried to roll over and drown myself. I just wanted the physical and emotional pain to end. But as I went under the water, a terrifying thought struck me. I saw the image of my parents crying at my funeral. I realized that my suicide would ruin their lives forever. They have sacrificed so much to give me a normal life, and this is how I repay them?
I couldn't do it. I pulled my head out of the water, gasping for air. I have realized today that killing myself is a selfish act. I don't know what my future holds, and I am still terrified, but I must find a purpose. I must survive, if not for me, then for the parents who love me unconditionally.
Nick.
It is the affectionate and humorous name Nick gave to the small, deformed foot attached to his left hip. He uses it to type on a computer, kick a football, and balance his body.
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