A prison of steel and dependence

A story of resilience unmatchable. A memoir (story of self) originally published on 31 March 2020 by popularly known by Iron lung man - Paul Alexander. His life was defined by a rhythm, by the steady hum of his iron lung. For over 70 years, this machine, a cold and unyielding cylinder of metal, became his lifeline. It compressed and released air, forcing his paralyzed body to breathe when it no longer could on its own. For most, such a life would be unimaginable—a prison of steel and dependence. But for Paul, it was not a prison. It was a kingdom.

Paul contracted polio in 1952 at the age of six. Overnight, the vibrant, playful boy who loved running through fields and laughing with his dog was struck down by the virus, paralyzed from the neck down. The world he knew was reduced to a single machine, a cocoon of necessity that dictated his every breath. Yet, within this mechanical shell, Paul built a life so rich, so extraordinary, that it became a life, one stands out—a story that became the very title of his 2020 memoir, Three Minutes for a Dog: My Life in an Iron Lung.

Paul had spent years inside his iron lung, living each day with its steady rhythm as his companion. Yet, even within these confines, his spirit yearned for moments that made him feel alive. He trained himself to breathe without the machine for brief periods, defying medical expectations. His efforts weren’t about survival alone; they were about reclaiming something more profound—freedom.

One day, he asked for just three minutes outside the machine. Three minutes to feel the world directly, unmediated by steel and machinery. What would he do with those precious three minutes? Paul didn’t choose to see a grand view or engage in a monumental act. Instead, he chose the simplest, purest expression of joy—spending those moments with his dog.

His dog, a loyal companion who had remained by his side through the years, symbolized the unconditional love and connection Paul cherished. When the time came, caregivers gently lifted Paul out of the iron lung, propped him up in a chair, and brought the dog to him. For three glorious minutes, Paul petted the dog, felt its soft fur beneath his fingers, and looked into its eager, loving eyes.

Those three minutes were not about defying polio or testing his limits—they were about living. Living in the purest sense, where time slows, distractions fade, and the heart finds peace in the simplest of acts. For Paul, those three minutes were eternity compressed into a moment.

This story is more than an anecdote; it is a metaphor for Paul’s entire existence. Trapped by a disease that stole his mobility, his health, and his freedom, Paul refused to let his circumstances define him. Instead, he became a symbol of resilience and determination.

Paul went on to achieve remarkable things. He earned a law degree from the University of Texas, dictating every word of his coursework using a pen held in his mouth. He practiced law, representing clients while confined to his iron lung. Later in life, he embraced the digital age, sharing his story with millions through social media and inspiring people across the world.

His memoir, Three Minutes for a Dog, encapsulates the essence of his philosophy: that life’s greatest treasures are found in the smallest moments. It’s a lesson most of us fail to grasp as we chase after wealth, status, and fleeting achievements. Paul, confined to his machine yet free in his mind, found joy in a single connection, a single touch, a single moment.

Compare this to the world around us. Healthy, able-bodied, and free, we complain endlessly. Students grumble over exams. Politicians lament electoral losses. Professionals whine about career setbacks. We live lives of extraordinary privilege yet find countless reasons to feel dissatisfied.

Paul’s story stands as a rebuke to this culture of complaints. He didn’t just endure his circumstances—he thrived within them. His iron lung, meant to limit him, became the backdrop for a life of limitless courage. He showed us that even when stripped of almost everything, the human spirit can find meaning and joy.

Paul Alexander passed away in March 2024, but his legacy endures. His life reminds us that true freedom isn’t about what we have - it’s about how we choose to live.

So the next time we complain about exams, jobs, or the minor inconveniences of modern life, let us remember Paul and his three minutes with a dog. Let us remember that even in the smallest of moments, we can find a kingdom worth ruling. Paul ruled his life not with health, wealth, or power, but with the indomitable strength of his mind and the purity of his heart.

Author is Assistant Professor, Higher Education Department J&K.