A differently able woman’s Christmas wish

Dec 25, 2012 News

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“I’ve always wanted to get married and have kids; my own little family”

By Rehana Ashley Ahamad

She was born on October 27, 1986. “A baby shaped like a tadpole” was how someone described Wonetta Harper. After being delivered at her family’s 59 Nabaclis East Coast Demerara home, little Wonetta was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital where doctors predicted her lifespan to be no more than three years.
Wonetta has aged far beyond those three predicted years. She remembers being between the ages of 12 to 14 when she stopped visiting the doctor for regular check-ups.

Apart from a urinary complication caused by her physique, Wonetta has no health problems. She is perfectly capable of doing everything for not only herself, but for others as well.
Although she is very much contented with her life and all that it has to offer, Wonetta does have a few wishes. When she was a child, she wanted her family to be safe and healthy. Her parents and siblings are all that she has. They are her support.
As she grew she added another wish to her Christmas list. Wonetta says that six years ago, realized that she wanted her own family; a husband and children. Although she moves around mostly in a wheelchair, she insists that she is “very much capable of taking care of children”.
Testament to that is the fact that she would single-handedly baby-sit her nieces and nephews. She even does their laundry.
Her relatives believe that Wonetta, if blessed, will make a very good mother.
Reflecting on some of her babysitting days, Wonetta says that despite her physique, she would still manage to “chase after the children and get them in line”.
She unsurprisingly has tremendous upper body strength which helps as she adroitly maneuvers her wheelchair around her home to do chores or chase after her mischievous nieces and nephews.
During the interview with this pretty lady, it became pellucid that apart from being able to take excellent care of children, she has many hidden talents.
The 26-year-old was never provided the opportunity of attending school, but thanks to her parents, she now has no trouble in reading and writing. Her favourite book is the Holy Bible – she is an ardent devotee of Jesus Christ. This makes the season of Christmas the most meaningful time of year for her.
Wonetta spends most of her time at home; time not wasted that is. After a few hours of reading, She would usually turn to one of her most loved activities – art. She would create drawings and sketches of imaginary scenery or simply images that reflect the warmth of her heart and only the good in her thoughts.
She loves music, and writes her own poems and lyrics. Another wish that Wonetta has is to learn the keyboard as well as to master the art of steel pan music.She is also extremely fond of board games.
The cheery soul enjoys telephone conversations with friends, most of whom are males. She does not have a boyfriend at present, but is liked by all of her friends.
It has only been a year since Wonetta started going out by herself. Whenever she feels the need for a little outing, she would take a taxi to Georgetown. She would help herself as the driver assists in getting her wheelchair into the trunk of the car. Her trip to the city would usually entail just lunch and little sightseeing.
She would mostly have the taxi drop her off at the New Thriving Restaurant on Main Street in Georgetown.
There she would enjoy a meal before taking “a little roll along the Main Street Avenue”, and admiring the art and craft on display.
By the time the sun starts to set on Wonetta’s enjoyable day, she would be in another taxi and on her way home.
She hopes that maybe during one of her trips, she would find her “Mr. Right”. This is second on her Christmas wish list. The first is the health and safety of her family.
“I’ve always wanted to get married and have kids; my own little family,” a blushing Wonetta revealed.
As she looked at me and smiled, she noted that God is her saviour and he knows best.
“When I was born looking like a tadpole and doctors told my mother that I would only live for three years… God has kept me alive for 26 years. So I believe whatever is for me, I will get it”.
She added that even if her wishes are not a part of God’s plan, she will continue to pray for what she wants, in the hope that the Creator will provide it for her.
“And if it doesn’t happen how I want it, I will still be content, because I have life and have grown to realize how precious life actually is…I’m beyond thankful!”
So today, after a much-anticipated Church service, Wonetta will be enjoying her favourite food -Cook-up-rice with fried fish – along with her regular holiday goodies as she plays board games while having a “good gaff” with the family.
Wonetta Harper reminds us that “life is short and not only Christmas, but every day is a day for sharing and caring for those around us. I learned it. I live it”.

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