My father abandoned us. I miss him still, but I am learning how to cope

By Eunice Wangui.

Eunice and her younger sister Margaret

I  Eunice Wangui was born just like any other child but I have faced many setbacks and hardships in my life as a young girl. Up to when I was eight years old, I enjoyed what some lucky children my age take pleasure in. I attended school just like any other child and I enjoyed the love of both my parents. But immediately I turned nine years old, many bad things started to happen .My life started changing from the usual, fun packed life I was used to. My father’s attitude towards me changed drastically. He no longer seemed to care much about my whereabouts. He would not settle my school fees dues anymore and therefore, getting promoted to next class was a nightmare to me. He would also arrive home late in the night and when I told him that I wanted something from him, he would just turn a deaf ear or say that he did not have any money at all.

The eighth of May, 2005 was the worst day of my life. At around three pm on that day, I was knocked down by a lorry when I was crossing the road at Githurai roundabout which was near where we used to live. No one thought I would survive. My legs got broken during the incident. It took me four months to recover from the injuries. It was sad for me as I had to repeat the same class as my accident made me miss many lessons.

The following year, our father left us. It was a very rough time for the three of us, my mother, sister, and me. My sister and I went to live with our maternal grandmother for some time. We had to change schools and attended one where we could walk from my granny’s home.

Barely one month towards my K.C.P.E in 2009, disaster struck again. My mother, the only parent who cared about my future, was shot by gangsters. Being the only hope in my life, this event really shook me.  But as fate would have it, the bullet did not affect her seriously and therefore she was well within a short duration.

Around the same time, my favourite teacher who really used to encourage us passed on. This discouraged me and I wondered “why me, Lord?” However, I thank God that teacher Andrew Kuria Gitau’s uplifting messages were still fresh in my mind to encourage me. Since he was a believer, I hope we will meet in heaven some day.

I thank God that the gloom I had over my life has since lifted. From December 2009 after I sat for my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examinations, I began to realize God’s faithfulness and l am happier. The Lord has changed my heart and thoughts from the old to new ones. The just celebrated Christmas was the best I have ever had in my life because it was my first time to be taken out for a meal. We went to a hotel in Kiambu to have fun and make merry. Being in such a hotel gave me hope that my life can be good. For sure I have a new song. Since God is on my side, I have faith that I will pursue my education through Form Four to University level.

When in a state of challenges and difficulties like the ones I had, it is only faith and the will to move on that will help one make it in life.

This article first appeared in the March – April  2010 issue of Woman of Faith magazine.

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