Special for the Armenian Weekly
VOSKEVAN, Armenia (A.W.)—As I write this, Armenian settlements in Armenia’s northeast region of Tavush—specifically those along the road leading to the village of Voskevan—are being monitored and targeted by Azerbaijani forces.
Davit Grigoryan and his grandmother (Photo: The Armenian Weekly)
Davit Grigoryan—who has heard sounds of Azerbaijani gunfire since the say he was born—was there in April defending the front lines during the Four-Day War.
He lost both his legs in an injury.
During his time in the hospital, he kept on smiling and quickly became everyone’s favorite. He says that he was smiling because of the attention and care he was receiving in the hospital. In reality, he was living in complete fear during those days because he was beginning to understand that his life had changed forever.
He never thought or even considered the possibility of walking again, but now, seven months later, he is taking strides with his new prostheses.
“Initially, it was very difficult to walk, and I could not adjust to the crutches. I do not even need them anymore and I’m able to walk and even run alone,” Davit says.
Family members would jokingly complain that Davit would spend half the day driving. “I want to be in many places at once and I want to be able to move quickly. During my first days in the hospital, I thought that I would not be able to do any of this. But now I know that I can do anything,” Davit explains, always smiling like he did in the hospital.
Davit is currently looking for work. When asked what type of job he would be able to do in the village, he answers clearly and confidently: “There is a military unit nearby where I can become a contract soldier. I’ll be able to go serve the army and go to the trenches to do what all the men in my village are capable of doing. My father served the army for 27 years. The prostheses do not bother me at all.”
David’s grandparents were not surprised to hear his thoughts about serving. They explain how during his time of service, their grandson was encouraged to take a break four times, but refused.
‘Initially, it was very difficult to walk, and I could not adjust to the crutches. I do not even need them anymore and I’m able to walk and even run alone,’ Davit says. (Photo: The Armenian Weekly)
There were troubling, dark days, but they have passed since.
“My grandson is already walking and will continue to live a normal and safe life,” Davit’s grandfather Levon says, reminiscing about how Davit was the fastest woodcutter in the home.
Though his life will never be the same, the important part is that he is now reunited with his family.
And the burning spirit in the Grigoryan home will not soon fade.
“We started working on needed repairs our home, but progress has been slow. Davit would do most of the work before, but now he can’t,” Davit’s grandfather says.
Davit’s mother Armenouhi says that she cannot remember her first steps but is sure that Davit will never forget his.
“On the day he took his first steps, Davit said, ‘Mom, promise me that you will not cry.’ But after seeing my son walk again, I could not hold back my tears,” she explains.
In the hospital, Davit met a girl named Meline who was visiting a wounded relative. They began dating after that and they will soon be married. Until then, Davit is expected to have another surgery.
There have been many complications along the way, but all will be normal again soon enough.
This report was filed by the Armenian Weekly’s contributor in Armenia/NKR Ani Avetyan.
Source: Armenian Weekly
Link: Meet Davit, the Ever-Smiling Double Amputee Veteran of the Four-Day War