Dear body,

My beloved charming, strong, healthy body, the carrier of everything in me. You and I have a breathtaking history. At the dawn of my life you were so little, tiny. Being born deaf, you may not appear perfect to others but to me you are very much flawless. God’s own image that has blossomed into a woman through the spillage of His abundant love and care across the years. skin so soft, glowing in the sunshine with a smile that brings a twinkle in people’s eyes.

I never want to change a thing about you. you can do anything except hear, I remember in high school my dear Chike (that’s the name you were best known by), when all you saw were mouths moving and yet could not grasp anything with reasons beyond your control, when everybody laughed at the teachers jokes or prepared to execute the assignment from the teacher because it has been well perceived, and all you could do was node your head and laugh just as loud just so you could fit in, it felt like those days would never end. but with time indeed all things shall pass. So people may talk bad about you, but to me you are the precious gold, this I write to you in bold. you may not hear, but you have eyes to listen with. you may not speak, but you have strong hands to speak with. I adore you, and you are the greatest gift that ever happened to me. After a hundred lifetimes, in a thousand worlds, I would still choose you because you understand my heart, my dreams and my character. You see body, they don’t see you like I see you.

You are such a beauty. The confidence, fearlessness and fierceness are the source of my motivation to try out new opportunities. you have never wanted to be like anyone else because you accepted who you are, with that you have achieved so much today. To some, the journey of learning to accept their body and self-love is a roller coaster ride. As for me, I can do it with my mind shut, eyes closed!

You believe in hard work, because you know and understand that being deaf and a female is a daunting experience. With so much expectations from people who cared and loved you the most, all the best remedy they gave you was “you should take all your issues to God”, but you have prayed, they never did out of evil intentions, not buying you hearing aids, which costed only a little fraction of the fees they paid, but they gave you the best way they knew how.  you have been looked down upon by so many abled persons even some high profile persons with disabilities, but you have been determined and focused on everything you wanted to achieve.

Body, in this life, nothing comes easy, buddy. You must be determined on what you want to achieve. there will always be others around you, just to see you fail. Being a model doesn’t mean you are too cheap, or someone desperate for men. Many times, you will be tempted to fall for their traps, be vigilant, body. Some will try to use you for their personal gains, enticing you through their sweet words and gifts. To make you believe you are the source of your bread and butter. That you are the gate-pass to spotlights and successes. You see body, you are the temple of the Lord. Be your maker’s joy to behold. you need to feel confident in yourself, that you can achieve anything morally.

Body, people say I have a warm heart. But what would my heart be if you weren’t the one housing and protecting it.  In you have a defense machinery, a vast transportation system. Protecting my different organs in times that I’m not even aware of.

you see, Body, I appreciate you. Because I realize that bodies are far more than just looking good. To conceive of you, my body as something simply to be looked at, or to look at, makes you an object. You are a living, breathing entity. You have taken me to different paths, connected me with dear friends and lovers, and helped me to live out my dreams. You are my very own universe, housing my spirit and I will care for you as best as I can, with God’s help.

Body, allow yourself to experience whatever emotion comes up. It’s okay to be happy, joyful, sad, angry, frustrated – all emotions are valid and part of the journey. You don’t need to lock them away for anyone. Be open to people’s compliments and criticism. Your life may take an unexpected turn at some point and shatter all your dreams. Am proud as a Punch to see that despite all the constant frustration, you’ve managed to wear glitter every day, keep shining my love!

Sometimes you will be required to step out of your comfort zone, because life isn’t always a bowl of cherries. Be ready to bite the bullet, my dear!

Body, I believe in you. you always found a replacement of that lost dream and here you are, Miss Deaf Africa, the feather in my cap! am so proud of you, and pray other girls out there will be determined and focused just like you are.

Thank you for allowing me to be the person I’ve become.

With all my love and gratitude,

Chimwe