Fran was born on a remote island in Indonesia. He was one of seven children. From the time he was born, Fran was kept out of sight of others by his parents. They did this because Fran was physically impaired. He was born without legs.
Fran’s parents loved him even though he was not like their other children. However, they felt ashamed and guilty about his condition. The people of their village saw Fran as a punishment from their gods. They could be very cruel and unkind. To protect Fran from being hurt or abused, his parents kept him in the house all the time. One day, a visiting priest heard about Fran and went to see him. Fran was a year old then. He was a healthy child even though he had stumps in place of legs. The priest felt sorry for Fran and his parents. He offered to look after Fran. So Fran went to live with the priest. His parents could visit him any time. They were happy to see that he was looked after.
Four months later, a visitor from Jakarta came to visit the priest. She was a very special person who loved to help others. She met Fran and was very taken up by the child. She told the priest that she would like to take Fran to Jakarta with her. She believed that she could give him a new life and also the hope of walking like other children.
The priest talked to Fran’s parents and they agreed to let Fran go with the lady to Jakarta. They would miss him. But the villagers were relieved that Fran was leaving their island.
The kind lady took Fran to the Jakarta Hospital. There, doctors fitted Fran with artificial legs. Fran learnt to walk on his new legs. Within six months, he was moving about like any normal toddler of his age.
He was delighted and so was his kind benefactor.
After six months, the kind lady took Fran back home. His parents could hardly believe their eyes when they saw their son. Word about Fran’s return spread like wildfire. The villagers came to see him, curious to know about his new legs. They were filled with amazement to see Fran walking and running about happily.
Fran’s parents were no longer ashamed of their son and no longer had to hide him. They were forever grateful to the lady whose act of kindness changed their son’s life and theirs.
remote far-off
artificial not natural