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By Joseph Titus Yekeryan
GBONDOI, Bong County- Esther Peter’s life has been defined by both hardship and resilience. At the age of 20, an accident forever altered the course of her life, leaving her with the loss of both legs. Yet, today, she stands not only in spirit but also as an example of grit in her rural community, where she has become an inspiration to many.
It all began nearly two decades ago when Esther, then a young woman, was struck by a car while walking home from work. The driver fled the scene, and despite her urgent efforts to seek medical help, Esther’s injuries were too severe. The accident resulted in the amputation of both her legs.
“I never thought I would survive that day. I lost so much in a single moment,” Esther recalls with a somber expression. “But here I am, determined to live, to be a mother, and to provide for my children.”
Her journey since that tragic day has been marked by immense challenges, but Esther’s determined will to survive has driven her to achieve the unimaginable.
Now a widow and the proud mother of two boys, (ages 12 and 15) Esther has turned to farming to make ends meet. She grows peanuts, corn, and potatoes on a small piece of land, carefully tending to her crops despite her condition.
“I’m a farmer now. It’s what keeps me going,” Esther says, her eyes lighting up as she describes her daily routine. “I wake up early, check on the crops, and do everything I can. Farming is hard work, but it’s also fulfilling. It puts food on the table and pays for my children’s school fees.”
While many would see her disability as a barrier, Esther has turned it into a challenge she’s willing to face head-on. Her wheelchair has become an inseparable part of her life as she expertly navigates her farm, her determination evident in each movement.
Her farm is not just about survival; it’s about hope. She works tirelessly so her children can attend school and receive the education she never had the opportunity to complete due to her accident. Esther’s children are currently enrolled in a local school, and she proudly reports that they are excelling in their studies.
“My children are my world. They are my motivation,” Esther says, her voice filled with pride. “Every day, I push myself because I want them to have a better life, a life free from the struggles I have faced.”
Despite her daily battles, Esther has never allowed her disability to define her. She actively participates in community projects and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities. She believes in breaking barriers and proving that physical limitations should never impede one’s dreams.
“I want to show everyone that no matter the circumstances, we can achieve anything,” Esther says, smiling confidently” said Esther. “People with disabilities are capable of doing great things. We need to be given the opportunity.”
People from her community appreciate her for always willing to do something to help herself and the kids.
While her journey is far from easy, her resolve remains unshaken. Every day, she proves that resilience, hard work, and love for her family can overcome even the most difficult obstacles.
“Sometimes when I harvest, I can make LD 5,000 from the corn and sometimes LD 9,000 from the potato” she adds.
As she tends to her crops, Esther reflects on her life. “Life hasn’t been kind to me, but I will never give up. I have a purpose now, and that purpose is to ensure my children have the future they deserve. Farming is my way of making that happen.”
