Memoirs of Extraordinary Women

Humans are like tea bags, to function optimally after "flushing" with the exam. That's the impression I get after reading this memoir Lena Maria; a woman who was born without arms and only one leg is normal. Despite his handicap, tucked a myriad of talent and outstanding achievements. He swimmer, singer, painter, and writer. Each of the talent that has won several achievements and awards from several countries. In this book he related his story all its own.


Lena Maria was born in 1968 in Stockholm, Sweden. At birth, the doctor tells Lena's parents on his condition. Doctors are preparing to offer a sedative if needed due to his parents felt unable to hear the truth. Doctors alone can not guarantee whether Lena able to survive, they must first check whether the internal organs too damaged. The doctor also informed that if Lena survivors, parents were allowed to leave their children with severe disabilities such as Lena in a special institution.


"You have to consider the possibility of having to take care of it for 20 years more, if you decide to take care of themselves," explained the doctor to the parents of Lena.However, his father replied firmly, "Having a hand or not, he'll need a place to live" (p. 23).


Lena's parents solidify his decision to treat and take her home. They are aware that the act is not without risk. They have a lot to talk with officers from the special care institutions, and they also know with certainty that treating children with severe levels of disability as children is a tough and exhausting struggle.


Their decision is really doing. As a result, Lena enjoy her childhood with extraordinary fun. Her parents really gave abundant affection and attention.


It's not easy caring for a disabled child. Perhaps there are also parents who can not afford to do it. But Lena's parents since the beginning determined to best treat it like any other normal child. They regard it as Lena, their daughter who happens to have a shortage-not just children with disabilities. Look at all that they love what they are, not based on what can or can not do. All of it made him feel more confident.


From the beginning, Lena has been encouraged to do whatever he likes. The result, she has never felt anger or regret the circumstances that are not normal. He also did not consider disability as a shameful disgrace. He always thought that he was the same as other humans. It's just that he does everything with a slightly different way. Lena never felt discouraged. He even felt God so loved that he was given the opportunity to live, enjoy life, and create. Indeed, a mature way of thinking. 

Since a toddler, he had taken swimming classes and keep practicing until countless.The result, he was able to become a professional swimmer and often win many medals in various swimming championships. Career peak in the pool was when he followed the Paralympic Games (Olympics for the disabled) 1988 in Seoul, South Korea, with the gold medal.


Besides swimming, Lena also develop their ability in music. And also thanks to the hard training, he was able to penetrate the music college in Stockholm where not everyone can reach it. Seriousness it successfully produced several albums as a professional singer who is in demand, both in Europe, America, and Asia. His career continues to soar. He is frequently invited to conduct concerts in both the domestic and overseas.


In their daily life, Lena was always trying to do something to not be too dependent on help from others. Thus, almost all of the activities he learned, and seems quite successful. Lena could sew, write, paint, driving cars, playing piano, and others. Indeed, everyday life like a normal human. 

The story of his life achievements are counter to his physical condition that attracted some media to make his documentary. And after the film is distributed, all of a sudden a lot of letters came to Lena from various countries. He also frequently receives invitations from various countries. They were amazed to see how Lena could see life in a positive way and how Lena can be successful in various fields, while there are many deficiencies in its possession that would inhibit its activity. The phenomenon of Lena Maria is a picture, role model and the human life lessons from people with disabilities who decide to live their lives independently. He got rid of the impression of low self-esteem, compassion, and misfortune.


In the last chapter, there is a deep reflection on why he managed to overcome his physical imperfections that actually can affect the psychological and social conditions, even more than that Lena can continue to think positive and be successful. First, humans are born different from each other. Lena admitted he is the type of person who when faced with an obstacle, preferring to find a way out rather than just stare at these barriers. He does not like to complicate an already complicated situation.


Second, parents. The attitude of parents who do not consider lack of Lena as a disgrace and always treat it just like other normal children, a lot of help Lena to be able to be himself. They created Lena has a high self-confidence. They encouraged him to achieve success, but still willing to accept failure.

Third, God. Belief in God has become part of self-Lena. Lena learns that he is God's creatures are precious and no matter who he is or how he looked. Some people may deny their faith when faced with such problems. However, Lena believes that God never makes mistakes, and his life is part of God's special plan for him. 


Since the first edition was published in Sweden, this book is then translated into various languages, including Norwegian, Danish, German, French, Thai, Japanese, Estonian, English, Indonesian, and others .