I saw this woman sitting on a bench in the Plaza de Armas, Tarma, Peru. I was captivated by the sense of dignity that radiated from her. Chatting with her in my feeble Spanish I learned she had come into Tarma to get a wheelchair from the government. There was to be a celebration in the square for the people who were receiving wheelchairs. Dressed in her best, she was prepared for her moment in the spotlight when she would receive her new mobility. Her daughter asked me if I had work in the United States for her 23 year old daughter. They eagerly invited me to spend the night in their home, which I unfortunately was not able to do. Returning to Tarma a few days later, I saw 5 or 6 people in new wheelchairs - more that I had seen in my entire previous month in Peru!!

by Pat Williamson, all rights reserved, usage or copying without permission is prohibited.