Is the soulmate really that perfect being who embodies the ideal union with ourselves? While many people on Earth spend their lives searching for this perfection they dream of, the true soulmate is your mirror; it is the one who shows you everything that holds you back. It invites you to dive deep into yourself, to unravel rooted beliefs, and to nurture authentic love within you, the kind of love that transcends the ego and illusions.
We all aspire to build our own relational success, the kind that would offer us the fulfillment we imagine, one that might seem perfect in the eyes of others. But is this dream of perfection truly in harmony with our inner journey?
My parents met in 1977, and their story seemed to defy fate. In their narrative resonated the essence of two soulmates who, beyond romance, had recognized each other. They lived their love with the passion of young explorers, traversing nature, setting challenges that seemed like promises of mutual fulfillment. My father, bold and inventive, embodied the spirit of adventure, always ready to embark on new follies, taking my mother with him into trials that pushed her out of her comfort zone. His joyful and warm nature revealed life from a different angle, adding a reassuring touch of madness to it.
My mother, on the other hand, brought a quiet maturity, a depth that awakened in my father a desire for wisdom and balance. Together, they formed a perfect balance, a subtle dance of two complementary souls. In this meeting of differences, there was neither superior nor inferior, but a union where each brought an essential fragment to the other’s path. True growth, therefore, arises not from the illusion of perfection, but from the alchemy of experiences and the will to grow side by side.
They lived this communion for two and a half years, perhaps the perfect time to weave a bond that would transcend the trial of time. In this equality, they knew, without words, that each enriched the other. It is here, in this mutual and profound recognition, that the true power of bonds is forged: the kind that makes us greater, more complete, not by merging, but by revealing each person’s own light.
When an event shakes the life of two people united by solid bonds forged through shared experiences, they face the change together. In difficulty, they find strength that fortifies them. Thus, when my father had his accident in 1979, leaving him a quadriplegic, my mother did not abandon him. Despite the warnings from doctors, who explained the immense challenge of caring for a quadriplegic spouse, she made a strong choice — to stay by his side. She was only 24 years old, and this choice would transform her life, imposing on her a tremendous responsibility. Was it fate? Perhaps.
I believe that in life, certain paths are offered to us to help us grow, and it is up to us to choose the one that seems most aligned with our evolution. That day, my mother listened to the deepest voice of her being, the one we humans call "the heart." This decision would redefine their existence. Despite the complexity of their new situation, they became an inspiring couple, each giving the other the strength to reinvent themselves. A new energy was born from their union, and together, they embarked on an extraordinary journey.
My mother became the woman, the nurse, and the devoted guardian angel of my father, supporting him tirelessly, even on the most difficult days. With patience and dedication, she always made sure to give him exemplary care, making her presence an indestructible pillar. My father, in turn, drew from the strength of their union to chart a new story and live new dreams from his wheelchair. Shortly after his accident, he became a gymnastics and swimming teacher, inspiring thousands of children and even adults. He helped, for example, a woman with polio overcome her fear of water, ultimately guiding her to win a French Handisport championship title in the 400 meters.
Their shared vision, the necessity of supporting each other, led them to unexpected accomplishments. After overcoming the trials of the accident and adoption, they wrote a new chapter of their story: the creation of their association.
"Even if you do not find the example before you, you can become that example."
It is 1993. For over ten years, my father has been working as a gymnastics and swimming instructor from his manual wheelchair. My mother, who cares for him full-time, accompanies him every day, driving him to the places where he imparts his knowledge and positive energy.
Over time, a burning aspiration grew, my father dreamed of becoming fully autonomous in his movements. He was convinced that, one day, this would be possible.
Advances in automotive technology were finally opening the door for people with quadriplegia, allowing them to consider driving an adapted vehicle independently. This became my father’s new goal: to free himself, to go wherever he desired without relying on others. But this freedom had a price, and it was steep. At that time, the cost of such a project ; a vehicle, electric wheelchair, and adaptations, amounted to 400,000 French Francs (about 60,000 euros). This amount seemed overwhelming. However, my parents did not let the cost discourage them; on the contrary.
With the support of their friends, they founded an association, Le Grand Tétras, to raise the necessary funds. The sum seemed colossal, almost unrealistic for the time. But my father had already mapped out his plan. He saw himself succeeding, visualizing each step toward the goal. He was convinced the amount would be reached in six months. Faced with this bold optimism, their friend, the president of the association, would sometimes joke with him: "Ah, Christian and his unwavering optimism! If we make it in eighteen months, it would already be a miracle!" In reality, she thought it might take three years!
Although I was only five years old at the time, I still vividly remember the indomitable strength with which my parents led this fight. They organized dance dinners, theater nights, raffles, t-shirt sales, and many other initiatives. Thanks to my father’s extensive network — he trained over 300 children every week, and his natural ease in building connections, he was able to rally an entire community around his dream.
Six months later, the funds raised exceeded all expectations: 600,000 French Francs (90,000 euros). My parents not only reached their goal but surpassed it by far. Once again, they had proven their determination and faith where so many others thought failure was likely. Four years after the singular journey of adoption, they had once again demonstrated their perseverance by achieving what might have seemed impossible.
My parents continued to sustain the association, reaching out to others in need, helping them, too, on the path to their dreams. In 2005, their dedication was honored with the Knight's Medal of the National Order of Merit, a recognition of their generosity and devotion. Together, they built a world where limits fade, where courage and love turn every difficulty into a stepping stone toward even greater actions. It is from this love and inspiration that my sister and I have inherited, and it will allow us too to write a beautiful story.
Ajouter un commentaire
Commentaires