Life is full of challenges and difficulties – social, emotional, health, economic and personal – and each one of us faces different situations. While some face more challenges than others, we all have our ups and downs and we face them as we go along.
This was proved once again when I attended the impressive launch ceremony of a book on the life of the late Lamees Buhussain – actress, athlete and sales assistant. An extraordinary event and worthy of attention because it was a fitting tribute to her family, friends and acquaintances.
I remember the story of Lamees, who suffered from Down syndrome, a chromosomal disorder that impairs cognitive ability and physical growth, when broadcaster Ibrahim Al Tamimi hosted her on his television show several years ago, during which she expressed her wish to join the National Bank of Bahrain – a wish the bank graciously fulfilled.
During the ceremony, I could not but think how healthy people do not thank God for His blessings, and I realised how difficult life is for people with Down syndrome and how they can prove their existence, abilities, and integration into society.
I imagined the magnitude of the suffering and the heavy responsibility of the parents and their responsibility for their wards’ upbringing and education. Hats off to all of them.
Lamees was a brilliant actor and artist and participated in several events. She was appreciated, among others, by well-known actress Zainab Al Askari, who was in awe of her performance and personality in several plays. She also participated in the Special Olympic Games in China and won a bronze medal.
All in all, it was a beautiful evening that taught me several things, among them that we are in dire need of inspiring stories that force us to reconsider our daily lives and realise how lucky we are.
All appreciation and thanks go out to her family, particularly her sister, Laila, who was her greatest supporter and made all efforts to care for her. Let us also not forget the contribution of the author of the book, Basema Al Qassab, who excelled in presenting Lamees’ story in a more than wonderful manner.
I also, coincidentally, came across an article in a local newspaper on Northern Governor Ali Al Asfoor receiving Muhammad Al Mousawi who suffers from a physical disability and in spite of his condition graduated with merit from the University of Bahrain and secured a Bachelor’s degree in Communication.
Such initiatives do not cost anything but deserve all thanks and praise. People of determination are endowed with creative talents and need moral, and not material, support. Everyone must realise this but, sadly, we neglect this aspect.
I wish the officials in the Information Affairs Ministry take on Mr Al Mousawi in a creative role that will showcase the highest morals and values.
I also think there is need for more care from official authorities as well as civil society institutions, citizens and residents, for these groups with hidden talent.
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