Dejana Backo’s story is one of perseverance, strength, and boundless love. Born without arms, she never let her disability define her. Instead, she pushed past every obstacle, proving that limitations exist only in the mind. Today, she is not only a celebrated athlete and artist but also a devoted mother who cares for her child with incredible skill—using only her feet.
Her journey is a testament to human resilience, showing that challenges can be turned into stepping stones toward greatness. From excelling in para taekwondo to becoming a mother, Dejana has redefined what it means to live a full and meaningful life.
Embracing Her Unique Identity
Born on December 9, 1994, in Novi Sad, Serbia, Dejana grew up questioning why she was different. As a child, she often asked her mother why she didn’t have arms. However, as she matured, she realized that her body was not a limitation but a unique gift. She chose to embrace it and live life with confidence.
Her positive outlook and strong character helped her achieve incredible success in multiple fields. Nicknamed the “Girl with Wings”, she became a symbol of empowerment in Serbia, proving that strength comes from within.
An Extraordinary Athlete and Artist
Dejana’s achievements are nothing short of inspiring. At the young age of nine, she joined the Society of Mouth and Foot Painters, a move that ignited her passion for art. Determined to refine her skills, she later pursued a degree at the Academy of Fine Arts in Novi Sad, where she honed her talent and showcased her work across multiple Balkan countries.
Video : Mom withouth hands – playing with baby Lara – good morning – lets rock this day
But her passion didn’t stop at art. Dejana had always dreamed of competing in the Paralympic Games, leading her to take up para taekwondo in 2016. Her dedication paid off when she won the K41 women’s -47 kg division at the World Para Taekwondo Championship in Turkey in 2019—making history as Serbia’s first world champion in this category.
From Champion to Motherhood
In February 2023, Dejana embraced an entirely new role—motherhood. Choosing to step away from competitions, she prioritized preparing for her baby’s arrival, even deciding to skip the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. While she may not be competing in sports for now, she remains active in spreading inspiration through social media.
Motherhood comes with its own set of challenges, but Dejana has once again proved that she is unstoppable. She has mastered using her feet for everyday tasks, including feeding, dressing, and caring for her child. With the same resilience she showed in sports and art, she is tackling motherhood with grace and determination.
A Love Story Rooted in Strength and Support
Dejana is not alone in her journey—she has a strong and supportive partner. Her husband, a fitness instructor, has been by her side, providing encouragement and love. Their relationship is a powerful reminder that love transcends physical limitations.
The couple enjoys traveling and sharing their experiences online, proving that their bond is built on mutual admiration and shared adventures. On February 22, 2024, they took their love to the next level and officially tied the knot. In a heartfelt social media post, Dejana wrote:
“When you love without boundaries, unconditionally and completely pure. 22.2.2024—the day these two beautiful people swore before God for eternal love!”
Their wedding was not just a celebration of their love, but also a moment that showed the world that true love knows no physical barriers.
Facing Motherhood with Confidence
For many new mothers, taking care of a child can feel overwhelming, but Dejana has adapted in extraordinary ways. She changes her baby’s diapers, clothes, and even walks with her by holding hands—using only her feet. Her ability to care for her child in such a unique way is nothing short of extraordinary.
In an interview, she spoke about the realities of being a disabled mother, admitting that there are challenges but emphasizing that self-worth and a positive mindset help overcome any difficulties.
“We all have some difficulties as people with disabilities,” Dejana shared. “But if you have a good picture of yourself, if you know who you are and what your worth is, you can overcome anything and focus on the positives.”
A Life That Inspires Millions
Dejana’s journey is more than just a personal success story—it is a source of inspiration for millions around the world. She has shown that no obstacle is too great, no dream is too big, and no challenge is impossible to conquer.
- As an artist, she has defied expectations by painting breathtaking pieces with her feet.
- As an athlete, she has shattered records and proved that physical disabilities do not define one’s capabilities.
- As a mother, she is proving that love, creativity, and perseverance are more powerful than any physical limitation.
Conclusion: A Story of Courage, Love, and Strength
Dejana Backo’s life is a shining example of what can be achieved with courage, determination, and self-belief. From an inquisitive little girl questioning her differences to a world champion, artist, and loving mother—her story is nothing short of miraculous.
Video : Don’t look at what I don’t have, see what I can do ❤️ Girl With Wings
Her ability to embrace motherhood, overcome challenges, and live a fulfilling life is an inspiration to all. Whether she is painting, competing, or caring for her child, she continues to prove that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
Dejana’s journey reminds us that true strength is not measured by physical abilities, but by the heart, resilience, and spirit of a person. She is not just an athlete, an artist, or a mother—she is a living testament to the power of perseverance and love.
My Stepdaughter Invited Me to a Restaurant – I Was Speechless When It Was Time to Pay the Bill
I hadn’t heard from my stepdaughter, Hyacinth, in what felt like forever, so when she invited me to dinner, I thought maybe this was it — the moment we’d finally patch things up. But nothing could have prepared me for the surprise she had waiting for me at that restaurant.
I’m Rufus, 50 years old, and I’ve learned to live with a lot over the years. My life’s been pretty steady, maybe too steady. I work a quiet office job, live in a modest house, and spend most of my evenings with a book or the news on TV.
A middle-aged man reading a book | Source: Midjourney
Nothing too exciting, but I’ve always been okay with that. The one thing I never quite figured out is my relationship with my stepdaughter, Hyacinth.
It had been a quiet year — or maybe longer — since I’d heard anything from her. We never really clicked, not since I married her mother, Lilith, when she was still a teenager.
She always kept her distance, and I guess, over time, I stopped trying as hard too. But I was surprised when she called me out of the blue, sounding oddly cheerful.
A woman talking on her phone | Source: Midjourney
“Hey, Rufus,” she said, her voice almost too upbeat, “How about we grab dinner? There’s this new restaurant I want to try.”
At first, I didn’t know what to say. Hyacinth hadn’t reached out in ages. Was this her way of mending fences? Trying to build some kind of bridge between us? If she was, I was all for it. For years, I’d wanted that. I wanted to feel like we were some version of family.
“Sure,” I replied, hoping for a fresh start. “Just tell me where and when.”
A middle-aged man looking surprised while talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney
The restaurant was fancy — much fancier than I was used to. Dark wood tables, soft lighting, and waiters in crisp white shirts. Hyacinth was already there when I arrived, looking… different. She smiled at me, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Hey, Rufus! You made it!” she greeted me, and there was this weird energy about her. It was as if she was trying too hard to seem relaxed. I sat down across from her, trying to read the room.
A woman looking happy while standing in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
“So, how’ve you been?” I asked, hoping for some real conversation.
“Good, good,” she said quickly, scanning the menu. “You? Everything good with you?” Her tone was polite but distant.
“Same old, same old,” I replied, but she wasn’t really listening. Before I could ask anything else, she waved over the waiter.
“We’ll have the lobster,” she said with a quick smile my way, “And maybe the steak too. What do you think?”
Grilled steak served on a wooden board | Source: Freepik
I blinked, a little caught off guard. I hadn’t even looked at the menu, but she was already ordering the priciest items. I shrugged it off. “Yeah, sure, whatever you like.”
But the whole situation felt strange. She seemed nervous, shifting in her seat, glancing at her phone every now and then, and giving me these clipped responses.
As the meal went on, I tried to steer the conversation toward something deeper, something meaningful. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I’ve missed catching up with you.”
“Yeah,” she muttered, barely glancing up from her lobster. “Been busy, you know?”
Lobster served on a black tray in a restaurant | Source: Unsplash
“Busy enough to disappear for a year?” I asked, half-joking, but the sadness in my voice was harder to hide.
She looked at me for a second, then back at her plate. “You know how it is. Work, life…”
Her eyes kept darting around like she was waiting for someone or something. I kept trying, asking her about her job, friends, anything to keep the conversation going, but she wasn’t giving me much. Short answers, no eye contact.
A woman having dinner in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
The more we sat there, the more I felt like I was intruding on something I wasn’t supposed to be a part of.
Then the bill came. I reached for it automatically, pulling out my card, ready to pay as planned. But just as I was about to hand it over, Hyacinth leaned in close to the waiter and whispered something. I couldn’t catch it.
Before I could ask, she shot me a quick smile and stood up. “I’ll be right back,” she said, “Just need to use the washroom.”
A restroom in a restaurant | Source: Unsplash
I watched her walk away, my stomach sinking. Something wasn’t right. The waiter handed me the bill, and my heart skipped when I saw the total. It was outrageous — far more than I’d expected.
I glanced toward the washroom, half-expecting Hyacinth to return, but she didn’t.
Minutes ticked by. The waiter hovered, looking at me expectantly. With a sigh, I handed him my card, swallowing the disappointment. What had just happened? Did she really just… bail?
A server in a restaurant standing next to a customer reviewing the bill | Source: Unsplash
I paid, feeling a knot form in my chest. As I walked toward the exit, a wave of frustration and sadness washed over me. All I wanted was a chance to reconnect, to talk like we never had before. And now, it felt like I’d just been used for a free dinner.
But just as I reached the door, ready to leave, I heard a sound behind me.
I turned around slowly, not sure what I was about to face. My stomach was still twisted in knots, but when I saw Hyacinth standing there, my breath caught in my throat.
A middle-aged man looking surprised inside a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
She was holding this enormous cake, grinning like a kid who’d pulled off the ultimate prank, and in her other hand was a bunch of balloons bobbing gently above her head. I blinked, trying to make sense of what was happening.
Before I could say anything, she beamed at me and blurted out, “You’re gonna be a granddad!”
For a second, I just stood there, stunned, my mind racing to catch up with her words. “A granddad?” I repeated, feeling like I’d missed something huge.
A stunned middle-aged man in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
My voice cracked a little. It was the last thing I expected to hear, and I didn’t know if I’d heard her right.
She laughed, her eyes sparkling with that same nervous energy she’d had during dinner. Only now, it all made sense. “Yes! I wanted to surprise you,” she said, taking a step closer and holding up the cake like a trophy. It was white with blue and pink icing, and in big letters across the top, it read, “Congrats, Grandpa!”
A cake with the words “Congrats Grandpa” written on it | Source: Midjourney
I blinked again, still trying to wrap my head around it. “Wait… you planned this?”
She nodded, the balloons swaying as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “I was working with the waiter the whole time! I wanted it to be special. That’s why I kept disappearing—I wasn’t ditching you, I swear. I wanted to give you the surprise of a lifetime.”
I could feel my chest tightening, but it wasn’t from disappointment or anger. It was something else, something warm.
A middle-aged man smiles while standing in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
I looked down at the cake, at Hyacinth’s face, and everything started to fall into place. “You did all this for me?” I asked quietly, still feeling a bit like I was in a dream.
“Of course, Rufus,” she said, her voice softening. “I know we’ve had our differences, but I wanted you to be part of this. You’re going to be a granddad.”
She paused, biting her lip, like she wasn’t sure what my reaction would be. “I guess I wanted to tell you in a way that would show you how much I care.”
An excited woman standing in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
Something in her words hit me hard. Hyacinth had never been the one to open up, and here she was, trying to bridge the gap we’d had for so long. My throat tightened as I tried to find the right words. “I—I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything,” she said, her eyes locking with mine. “I just wanted you to know that I want you in our lives. My life. And the baby’s life.”
A woman is overcome with emotions while standing in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
Hyacinth let out a shaky breath, and I could tell this wasn’t easy for her. “I know we’ve had a tough time, Rufus. I wasn’t the easiest kid. But… I’ve grown up. And I want you to be part of this family.”
For a second, I just stared at her, my heart swelling with emotions I hadn’t let myself feel for years. The distance, the tension between us — it all seemed to fade in that moment.
A happy middle-aged man standing in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
I didn’t care about the awkward dinner or the silence from before. All I cared about was that she was standing here, in front of me, giving me this incredible gift. “Hyacinth… I don’t know what to say. I never expected this.”
“I didn’t expect to be pregnant either!” she said, laughing, and for the first time in years, it wasn’t forced. It was real. “But here we are.”
A woman smiles while looking at someone in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
I couldn’t help it. Something inside me broke free, and I stepped forward, pulling her into a hug.
She stiffened for a moment, probably just as surprised as I was, but then she melted into it. We stood there, holding each other, balloons bouncing above us, cake squished between us, and for the first time in a long, long time, I felt like I had my daughter back.
“I’m so happy for you,” I whispered into her hair, my voice thick with emotion. “You have no idea how much this means to me.”
A middle-aged man hugs his stepdaughter in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
She pulled back slightly, wiping her eyes, though she was still grinning. “It means a lot to me too. I’m sorry I’ve been distant. I didn’t know how to… how to come back after everything. But I’m here now.”
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak just yet. My chest felt like it was about to burst, and all I could do was squeeze her hand, hoping she understood just how much this moment meant.
A middle-aged man smiles while standing next to his stepdaughter | Source: Midjourney
She smiled, glancing down at the cake between us. “We should probably get out of here before they kick us out,” she joked, her voice lighter now. “This is probably the weirdest granddad announcement they’ve ever had.”
I chuckled, wiping at the corners of my eyes with the back of my hand. “Yeah, probably.”
We grabbed the cake and balloons, and as we walked out of the restaurant, something inside me had shifted.
A cake with the words “Congrats Grandpa” written on it and balloons | Source: Midjourney
It was like all those years of distance, of feeling like I didn’t belong in her life, were gone. I wasn’t just Rufus anymore. I was going to be her baby’s granddad.
As we stepped into the cool night air, I looked over at Hyacinth, feeling lighter than I had in years. “So, when’s the big day?” I asked, finally letting the excitement settle in.
She grinned, holding the balloons tight in her hand. “Six months. You’ve got plenty of time to prepare, Grandpa.”
A woman holding balloons smiles while looking at someone | Source: Midjourney
And just like that, the wall between us crumbled. We weren’t perfect, but we were something better; we were family.
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