In our past meetings, I had given Mussolini a hard time for being late, but yesterday, he arrived before I did.  “Being on time is very important,” he told me.  I blushed.

We walked up the ramp to Bourbon Coffee.  “How was your weekend?” I inquired.

“It was not good.  My leg is hurting.  It is never good when my leg hurts.  They will have to cut it more.”

As we sat in the coffee shop, Mussolini proudly showed me a document Francis and he had put together which clearly describes ALSAR’s mission, activities, and plan of action.  They had not had a lot of time to work on the web site yet, but wanted to make sure they had planned out exactly what they wanted the site to convey first.

We went over the techniques for updating and editing content, and I gave them suggestions on how to design their pages.  I began feeling a bit disappointed that we had not accomplished more.  I think Mussolini sensed this.

“You have made us go boom!” These words were somewhat disconcerting coming from Mussolini, a landmine survivor.

I think he saw my hesitation.  “I mean, you have helped us to explode.”

Hmmm… not much better.

“Your help, on our web site, will help ALSAR grow.  We will be able to do much more with the tools you have given us.”

Ok, I’ll take that.  But the truth is that Mussolini and Francis have given themselves the tools.  I taught them how to work with a google site, but they have overcome their injuries, faced their facts, and have chosen to live.  Although he spends many days in pain, Mussolini is determined to see ALSAR succeed.  He wants to ensure that he helps those who are going through the same mental and physical pains.  He may have lost his leg, but his spirit remains, and it is this strength and determination that will enable him and his organization to grow and succeed.

Mussolini Eugene, Founder of the Association of Landmine Survivors and Amputees

Mussolini Eugene, Founder of the Association of Landmine Survivors and Amputees

We have been trying to get together over the past few weeks, but due to problems with hisprosthetic leg, we were were not able to meet up until Friday.  Although he has spent the past week in several hospitals, dealing with expensive and painful medical treatments, Mussolini was nothing but optimistic and upbeat.  He was excited to begin work on his web site and incredibly thankful for Survivor Corps’ help.  ALSAR’s site is brand new, but with Mussolini’s dedication to the organization, I think it will be up and fully running shortly.  Check out what he’s done so far.