Have you ever stopped to appreciate your two legs and the ability to move about as you choose?  Well, I was reminded of this yesterday thanks to Richard our most known and loved agent in the neighborhood whom I wrote about last month.  Link below.

https://lucymbabazi.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/meet-the-inspiring-richard-mtnrwanda-please-help-us-support-him

Our efforts to get a kiosk were futile and involved too much bureaucracy in which Richard was to be placed on waiting list of other disabled agents.  We decided to take matters into our own hands.

Thanks to my resourceful husband and street smart brother, we found a place which could make Richard a functional wheelchair and went right to work.  On Friday, we took Richard to choose his wheelchair and we got to learn more about his life.  Needless to say, it was an emotional day and made this effort all the more rewarding.

You see, Richard was a budding mechanic, happily married and blessed with a son.  Sadly, all this came to a screeching halt when he was involved in a work accident almost seven years ago, which aleft him paralyzed waist up and on crutches, unable to continue working because he was no longer mobile.  With no work compensation having been injured while on duty, his employer abandoned him(maddening – we can do better).  His wife also left him and had no heart to take their young son.  This didn’t stop the determined Rasta, as he’s known to many, he continues to work hard to take care of his son.  Until Friday, Richard hadn’t stepped out the neighborhood and it was the first time he’d been to Sonatubes in years (About 5-10 minutes walk from his home).  Watching him marvel at the development since all those years ago brought tears to our eyes.  He’s wanted to do take his son out, go to the market, enjoy a football game at ETO Kicukiro (IPRC) or with friends but couldn’t not because of the daunting task to move.  We were reminded of the gift of mobility!

Each day, one of they guys at home help Richard set up and close.  On this special Friday 15 September day, we delivered a new wheelchair customized to Richard’s needs and enhanced road safety features. 

His face was beaming with joy and mine full of tears and smiles.  Oh happy day!

I look forward to seeing Richard moving about his business a bit easier and enjoying life a little.  He’s taught me a lot about resilience and work ethic, and most importantly to be grateful for the gift of mobility – I’ll never take it for granted.

JFK once said, “One can make a difference and everyone should try.”  We are surrounded by people in need, please endeavor to make a difference each day, in whatever way we can, even if it’s just a welcoming smile.

Be the difference.