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Myrto of Paros' mother: 'I fool myself by saying “life goes on” when I see you smile'
🇬🇷 Greece /Culture & Society

Myrto of Paros' mother: 'I fool myself by saying “life goes on” when I see you smile'

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Myrto's mother, Maria Kotrotsou, shared a poignant message marking 14 years since the attack that left her daughter with severe disabilities.
  • Kotrotsou described the daily struggle of caring for Myrto, finding solace in her daughter's smiles while acknowledging the immobility of her life.
  • She also spoke out about the lack of accessibility and equal rights for people with mobility impairments in Greece, vowing to continue advocating for them.

Maria Kotrotsou, the mother of Myrto of Paros, has shared a deeply moving message on the 14th anniversary of the attack that left her daughter with lifelong disabilities. The incident, which occurred on July 22, 2012, profoundly impacted Myrto and her family, leaving her confined to a wheelchair.

I fool myself by saying 'life goes on' when I see you smile.

— Maria KotrotsouDescribing her coping mechanism while caring for her daughter.

Marking 14 years since the attack, Kotrotsou reflected on the passage of time, stating, "How did they pass? My mind cannot grasp it." She described the constant struggle, fear, and despair that have defined their lives, yet she finds a way to cope by telling herself, "Life goes on" when she sees her daughter smile. However, she admitted that behind Myrto's smile lies a silent battle, and she often tells others Myrto is "fine" because the reality is too difficult to explain.

When they ask me what Myrto is doing, I always say 'fine,' because I don't want to describe what no one can understand.

— Maria KotrotsouExplaining her reluctance to detail her daughter's condition.

Kotrotsou also used the occasion to highlight the significant challenges faced by people with mobility impairments in Greece. "We have not yet learned to make space and respect people with mobility impairments," she stated, emphasizing that while equal rights exist on paper, they are rarely implemented. She vowed to continue pushing for genuine support and accessibility, even as the physical toll of caring for Myrto weighs on her.

We have not yet learned to make space and respect people with mobility impairments.

— Maria KotrotsouHighlighting the lack of respect and accessibility for disabled people in Greece.

"I will push your stroller with all my might, I will lift you no matter how much it breaks my back, to take you wherever there is access... hoping you get a little pleasure, a little joy, to see you smile," Kotrotsou wrote, expressing her unwavering love and dedication. She clarified that she does not seek pity but respect and equality, and she holds onto hope for the future, including potential advancements in science. "We will walk together, we will laugh together, and we will try to enjoy what we can. And we will hope for a future that science may bring something," she concluded.

I will push your stroller with all my might, I will lift you no matter how much it breaks my back, to take you wherever there is access... hoping you get a little pleasure, a little joy, to see you smile.

— Maria KotrotsouExpressing her dedication to her daughter's care and well-being.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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