Hardships made him stronger
"I live by the words: where there's a will, there's a way."
SIXTY years ago, doctors told his mother that he would most likely only live to be about one year old.
Alberton resident Peter Visser was born with spina bifida, a rare defect where there is incomplete closing of the backbone and membranes around the spinal cord.
Childhood and school did not come easy for Peter, but today, at the age of 60 and 18 operations later, he looks back on a full life. Peter celebrated his 60th birthday on Saturday, 20 February.
Joyce Visser (89) told the RECORD that her son only weighed 4 pounds (1.81kg) at birth. “He was a real little fighter. He had to go for his first operation when he was only six days old,” she said.
“I went to a special school for a short time, but I hated it, so I went to a normal school and after doing my matric, I started working as a switchboard operator, which I have been doing up until now,” Peter said.
When asked what his secret is to overcoming all the obstacles, he did not hesitate and said: “To God be the glory. My faith has always pulled me through all the hardships in my life – that, and the support of my friends and family. I have always been a fighter – resilience is key, and I see the 18 operations as something that has made me stronger. I live by the words, ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way.'”
Not given a chance to even celebrate his first birthday, Peter lives an independent life today, drives his own car and contributes positively to society.
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