When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn

I never imagined that my life would be marked by sudden changes, yet here I am—once a soldier, now a survivor of profound hearing loss, a recipient of cochlear implants, and, most recently, a person learning to walk with crutches. My story is not just about the challenges I have faced, but about the people, organisations, and faith that have carried me through each twist and turn.

After serving in the South African Armed Forces and returning home in 1979, medical evaluations revealed that my hearing had been irreparably damaged by acoustic trauma. The diagnosis was stark: gradual hearing loss that would eventually lead to total deafness. There was no way to prepare myself—or my family—for the reality of a life without sound.

I turned to hearing aids, speech‑reading, and alternative communication methods. For a time these tools helped me navigate a world that suddenly felt muted. However, the progressive nature of my condition meant that I eventually had to give up my career—a devastating low point.

A Turning Point: Support and New Opportunities

If it weren’t for the Free State Association of and for Persons with Disabilities (APD‑FS), I might have remained excluded from mainstream activities for the rest of my life. The organisation not only employed me but also encouraged me to pursue further education. I returned to university and qualified as an Adult Basic Education Practitioner at UNISA, a milestone that reignited my sense of purpose.

The Gift of Sound: Cochlear Implants

Advances in technology opened another door. In 2011 I received bilateral cochlear implants, and in an instant my world changed again. After more than two decades of silence, I could once more hear familiar voices, music, and the everyday sounds that many take for granted. The dream of verbally communicating with my loved ones and colleagues, once a distant hope, became a joyous reality.

Facing New Challenges

Just as I was adjusting to my renewed sense of hearing, another unexpected diagnosis arrived: moderate osteoarthritis in both hips and the base of my spine. I now rely on two crutches to get around, a new reality that mirrors the adjustments I made with my cochlear implants. The road ahead is uncertain, as it is for all of us, but the only certainty is that uncertainty will always be a part of life.

Gratitude and a Message of Hope

I am who I am because of the paths I have walked and the people who have walked beside me. My gratitude extends to:

• The Free State Association of and for Persons with Disabilities (APD‑FS) for employment and unwavering support.

• The National Council and the SABC for opportunities that enriched my life.

• Most importantly, God and the family, friends, and colleagues who have stood by me in my darkest and brightest moments.

We are each dealt a hand of cards. The key is to play them with dedication, knowing that tomorrow will take care of itself. If you know someone who might need a listening ear—or a helping hand—reach out. Sometimes a simple “I’m here” can change a life.

Fanie du Toit