Rita from Trinidad who has suffered 2 strokes and has been bedridden for over two years.
During a recent wheelchair distribution, we had the honor of meeting a wonderful family of three who live in a modest, tidy upstairs apartment. Our recipient, Rita, was lying on the couch when we arrived. She is only 58, though her two strokes have left her unable to walk. Despite her challenges, Rita has a gentle spirit and a beautiful smile that lit up the room.
Rita lives with her husband, Ranat, who has also suffered a stroke but remains mobile, and their only child, Priya, who acts as their caregiver. Priya, their adult daughter, selflessly manages their needs with a warmth and dedication that is truly remarkable.
When we arrived to assemble the wheelchair, Ranat quietly shuffled to the kitchen and returned with a thoughtful gesture: small bottles of cool, sparkling apple juice. His kindness touched us deeply, a symbol of his graciousness and gratitude.
After assembling the wheelchair, we offered a brief tutorial on its safe use, and all three family members listened carefully. The moment everyone was eagerly awaiting arrived—I asked Ranat if he’d like help moving Rita into her new chair. His response moved us: “I will need to do this when you are gone, let me do it now.” With Priya’s assistance, he gently lifted and positioned Rita into the wheelchair. Seeing the three of them work together with such care was a joy and a testament to their family bond. When Rita was finally seated, her eyes sparkled, and her smile beamed.
Priya shared with us how much this wheelchair would transform Rita’s life. “Mom loves to sit outside in the sunshine and fresh air,” she said. “Now, she can watch the people passing by and feel connected to the world again.”
