A Diary Of Hope: Sam Farrugia’s Journey Through Life’s Challenges
As the Christmas season approaches, we often reflect on the past year—our achievements, challenges and the moments that define us.
For some, this reflection takes on an even deeper meaning, as they navigate through life’s adversities with resilience and courage.
Sam Farrugia, a former L-Istrina patient, shares a heartfelt diary entry that offers us a glimpse into his journey of growth, hardship and gratitude.
“Another Christmas season is here and another year is almost gone. We’re all a little older; some of us are wiser and I certainly fall within one of those categories. Regardless, I suppose that now’s a good moment to pause and look back on the year, the experiences and the road that has led us to where we stand today.
I don’t think that I’ll be revolutionising sociology if I admit that the year was a mixed bag. There were wonderful moments: participating in Kuragg, attending a disability training initiative in Estonia, joining a fresh acting course and working on producing my own writing.
There are also, as always, those experiences that weigh upon my mind. Moments when my disability was an obstacle, periods where I wondered if I made the right choice or correct decision, moments where I wondered if any positive outcomes could have been sourced.
Ups and downs, tough and smooth terrain, the good and the nasty—they’re certainly all moments that let us grow. What is equally certain is that, as I look back and consider all the years that have come before, I can’t quite believe all the differences that separate now from just a decade ago.
We’re a far cry from the small boy I used to be. Standing in the airport for a “vacation” to the UK, playing games with hospital staff and causing mischief within the nuns’ convent where we were boarded. Eager to revisit the London Natural History Museum after being released from chemotherapy, to continue feeding a dinosaur addiction generously describable as a clinical obsession. Playing in foreign snow, completely unconcerned with the cancer within me. All these were symptomatic of a brash confidence reserved for small children or the completely foolish. I can comfortably state that I qualified for both those categories.
Obviously, times have changed and life moves on. I’m left with a disability that does, undeniably, cause difficulties. The stigma associated with being blind, the fact that I cannot be as sociable as I would like and how small matters—catching the bus, navigating new areas, using some technologies—become obstacles. I’m not sure there’s enough hard drive space to properly type out every little thing of note.
Yet, for all that, I’m still here. I am forming a life, moving a step at a time and have access to a network of people who are far too patient with my nonsense and have my back. These are things that, sadly, are not universal to many people. These are things that only exist because of the support I had in my time of need from all sorts of sources: my family, the Franciscans who bunked us, the hospital staff who tried to lighten the situation and the Community Chest Fund.”
Sam’s diary is a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of community support. His journey was made possible through the collective efforts of many individuals and organisations, such as the Community Chest Fund.
This Christmas, you too can make a difference. On 26th December, support L-Istrina with a donation.
Every contribution helps provide relief and assistance to patients and families facing difficult circumstances. Add another present to your list this Christmas—a gift that brings hope and healing to someone in need.