My husband, Augustin, is amazing. He has never let his physical problems get the best of him: he has a rich, full, and happy life. People can learn much from him.
My name is Alma-Maria Hernandez. I live in Austin, Texas, with my family; my family consists of my husband, Augustin, and our three children: Augustin, Jr. ("Guapo" we call him because he is; "guapo" is "handsome in Spanish), Hector Ramon (6), and the baby, Teresita Dominga (4). Augustin, Jr. is 10.
I am a part-time lawyer's assistant and full-time mama to the children. I also take care of my husband. Augustin was born with cerebral palsy; that is why his legs are bent at the knees and why he uses two crutches when walking (or a wheelchair for longer trips). Other than that, he's healthy and full of life! I just adore him so much!
Augustin and I have been married for the past twelve years. We have a very strong and loving relationship; having kids has only made it stronger. I would do anything for him; I would even die for him if it came to that point!
Augustin has had a hard life. His parents abandoned him when they discovered that he was disabled: they didn't want to have anything to do with him, so they put him in an orphanage. He lived there until he was five; he was adopted by the Hernandez family, who loved and raised him as their own. He was in and out of hospitals for surgeries or other treatments, and when he was fifteen, both his parents were killed in a car wreck, leaving him to fend by himself. At the age of twenty, he became homeless, but then he got a grant to go to college, and it brought him out of that state.
He's been doing great ever since. People still treat him badly, though: they stare at him as he walks or make comments (or finger-point), and it makes him (and myself) uncomfortable. We try not to think about that as we raise our kids and enjoy each other. We also have a very strong religious foundation; we make it a point to attend church every week and give our praise to God; it's only byHis saving grace that we are where we are right now in life. We give him all the glory!
The kids call Augustin "Daddy Bent-Legs". They know he walks funny, so this is why they do it. I would rather they didn't, but they never do it in a mean or malicious way. It's because he can't straighten his legs; he cannot help it. At least he can walk, athough with crutches and braces. And he has his trusty old steed (his wheelchair) if he gets tired or there's too much ground for him to cover. Wherever there's a way, Augustin will find a way to get around: he has such a strong sense of determination!
Well, I have to get Augustin up; he was tired, so he slept in later than usual. (I am off work today.) I will write in here again soon; until later, this is Alma-Maria Hernadez saying adios! Hasta luego, mi amigos!
~Alma-Maria.
~To be continued.~
