Disability is not inability. This has been proved by one Susan Njogu who was born in Elburgon, Nakuru County and moved to Adelaide, Australia, for studies after she got married to Phillip Eling . Philip was born in Australia 30 years ago with muscular dystrophy, a disease that causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. He had to use a wheelchair at the age of five years.
Susan had a diploma in working with the disabled and was lucky to be invited for a job interview at the company where Philip worked. She explains; ”Ours is a story of love at first sight. Nothing about him bothered me, especially because I had related with many disabled people while studying.” They talked for a while and exchanged contacts.
Afterwards, they went for their first date where Philip had invited her for coffee. She was surprised on arrival when she found Philip’s mother with him. She says that she was a bit nervous since the mother was part of their meeting but later relaxed. She describes the date to be great.
Six months later they got engaged. Philip says; ”She understood that I had to convince them (Susan’s parents), especially since Africans are usually not as open-minded. I only wanted their approval, above anything else.” Her parents gave her their blessings and were alright with her decision for they knew how passionate she was about helping the disabled.
Susan became Mrs. Eling in a red-themed garden wedding in Adelaide, marking the beginning of their life as a couple. Their wedding went viral on social media, and as much as it inspired and gave hope to many, critics said some nasty things about their union.
Susan says she owe no one anything and doesn’t bother responding to the negative comments. Although the trolls are still there, she has learnt to live with the mean comments;”People said I only did it because I wanted to get money from him, but I sort of expected that reaction from them. I was very relaxed and prepared for it. I got comfort from knowing that our union was ordained by God.”