Elena Galeanu

English 1101-015

Dixon-Kolar

From a guy full of dreams to a man full of achievements

A life story of how to live without hands

Michael was in his last year of high school when on February 14th, 2008, his life changed forever. He
lived at that time, and continues to live, in a small country in Europe named Moldova. Because his
family's financial situation wasn't good, Michael decided to make extra money. He found a job in his
small village and, along with his friends, he went to work at the straw bale. The machine, devoid of a
protective device, picked up the boy's jacket and pulled him over. It ripped off both his hands. By the
time he was transported to Chisinau, after hours, the doctors said that they could not even partially save
either of his upper limbs.

Everyone in his family and his village was devastated. His parents were unrecognizable; you could see
that they didn't sleep for a while. They had puffy eyelids, slack skin, and dark circles around the eyes.
They have aged overnight.

Michael was always full of life. He used to joke a lot and was very enthusiastic about his future. His
family was afraid that he would change, but that never happened. Although all of this happened to him,
Michael remained the same person everyone had known. He has left an impact on many people who
know him.

The first period after the incident was the hardest one. In Moldova, almost in every family, one of two
parents, or even both of them, leave the country to make extra money. The prices there are like in
Europe, or also like the US, but what people can make there is not enough even for living from month to
month. His family wasn't an exception.

His mother left her work so she could stay home with him and help him with everything. "It's hard to
realize what happened, but the way back doesn't exist so I can change something. With God's help, I'll
try to do my best to make sure my son feels normal, and I will put all my effort to make all of this seem a
dream for him.", said his mom. His younger brother was involved in all home activities and helped
Michael to get dressed, to eat, and to do other things around the house." When I got firstly dressed by
myself, it was like a victory," he said. In their family, the only person that brought money in the house
was his father. He worked as a driver, and his income was meager. Michael's family opened a bank
account so that other people could help them.

The state aid Michael received was not enough even to cover the internet bill. The state did not give him
more financial aid because Michael didn’t have work experience. “What work experience can you have
when you are just 18 years old?”, was the question that his family addressed to governmental
representants. Nobody cared about that. Even with all of this happening, many people helped his family
financially, and Michael didn’t lose his hope to have a healthy life, even with two prosthetic arms.

After a couple of weeks when he got back in his village, he was at the store with his mom, and Michael
was shocked when two women that were in front of him spoke about him like he already was dead. He
knew that is what they were thinking. People in the village didn't have specific information about him,
and everyone respected his family. Because of that, nobody asked additional questions.

Michael got two proteases for his hands a couple of years later in Italy. After a couple of investigation,
and after he consulted with an excellent doctor, Michael and his mom decided to remain in Italy until
they get the prostethic arms. He already used to live without hands, but the possibility of taking
something in his arms made him feel very happy. Michael and his mom learned Italian very fast. His
mom started to work as a manager, and Michael spent a lot of time reading and thinking about his
future. After he got the proteases he come back in Moldova, his mom remained in Italy. She wanted to
give back the money that they borrowed from appropriate family members.

Michael is a hardworking man, and even though he doesn't have both hands, he has much work. In the
first years after the accident, he used to repair computers for people in his community. With toes of his
feet, he tapPed and used a mouse. People asked him for computer help almost every day. He was
feeling useful.

He tried to do everything by himself, but there were certain things where he asked for help." Sometimes
I really want to have my hands and do those things, because it seems, as good as me no one will do it.",
Michael said. Even after all this has happened to him, Michael is a leader, and he feels confident in his
decisions.
Five years ago, he started his own business. He owns a small paving factory. He found two young boys,
and they are his employers. Little by little Michael became known for his great work. Now he has plenty
of orders.

He got married four years ago. He used those two hand proteases on their wedding day just for pictures.
Unfortunately, proteases make him feel uncomfortable. They are hard to carry, and they don't help him.
Michael isn't just an example of power and courage; he is also a model for his son.“I work hard, so my
son could have a better future. My father is an example of brave, and I want my son to feel the same for
me.” Said Michael, his face trying to not show his emotions of pride.

“Hand by hand” with his wife, they are working hard to build a future for their family in Moldova.
Because his parents are there, he doesn't want to go from his native country. Michael is planning to
develop his business and to help his parents as they helped him.

Even if this accident had a significant impact on his life, Michael didn't change at all. He has a bright
face, a broad smile, and his sense of humor makes you see him as a winner in this battle with reality. He
has a large heart, and his actions are speaking for themselves.