‘Always Seen With a Smile’: Dad With No Arms or Legs Raises Two Girls After Their Mom Abandons Them

Courtesy of Elida Acuña

A Paraguayan father of two with no arms or legs found the strength and determination to raise both his girls, despite his limitations, when their mother abandoned them.

Pablo Acuña was born with a limb deformity, causing his arms and legs to not grow properly. Yet he’s a happy, grateful man who lives in the city of Son Pedro del Parana, Paraguay. At 63 years old, he’s a proud father of two daughters in their twenties, whom he has raised since they were babies with the help of his mother, Ignacia del Valle.

Although Pablo has suffered from his condition since his birth, he said it has never affected him. Apart from not being able to attend high school and having his parents take care of him, he had a pretty normal childhood.

“I can’t complain,” Pablo told The Epoch Times as translated from Spanish. “My parents did the best they could.”

Pablo Acuña with his daughter Elida. Courtesy of Elida Acuña

One of six siblings, Pablo was raised by loving, attentive parents and wanted to be the same for his children. Despite separating from his wife, he’s grateful that she gave him two wonderful daughters.

“I’m very positive and grateful for my life because I have my daughters,” he said.

His youngest daughter, Elida, 26, sings his praises for providing a “very nice” childhood despite him not having arms and legs.

“I was raised by my dad and grandmother,” Elida said. “My dad is incredible. He is a very wonderful person, he is always seen with a smile; never have I seen him depressed.”

Since Pablo cannot walk, he has used a wooden wheelbarrow as a sitting and sleeping platform for decades. He is known locally as “El Hombre Carretilla,” or “The Wheelbarrow Man,” according to C9N Paraguay.

Courtesy of Elida Acuña

According to Elida, Pablo’s greatest wish is to own his home. Elida told the Paraguayan newspaper Crónica that her family, who “lives for rent,” is desperately saving to this end.

Since her grandmother turned 93, Elida has returned to the family home in Paraguay from Buenos Aires, Argentina to help take care of her father, whose abilities are increasingly limited.

“I had to give up a lot of things to return to Paraguay,” she told The Epoch Times. “The only thing my father does for himself is manage his phone and the remote control. Other than that I do everything else.”

Elida said she has dedicated herself to helping her dad and grandmother and they “move forward with God’s help.”

Courtesy of Elida Acuña

Despite his hardship, Pablo has no regrets about his condition. He continues to have an unwavering faith that keeps his outlook positive.

“Be grateful for your life and to God, because he knows why he makes us the way we are in this world,” he said.

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