By Marissa V. Foster

FATHERHOOD is a complex yet gratifying role. Imagine navigating that role with further limitations to your mobility. Uttamkumar Isurdeen has been beating the odds and every ‘curveball’ thrown his way thus far. Despite his physical challenges, he has maintained a sense of normalcy in his family life, and hopes to inspire other fathers who may be faced with similar circumstances.

Isurdeen is 38 years old. He married his wife, Sharon, on September 22, 2008. She’s a teacher by profession. In 2009, she gave birth to Uttamkumar’s best friend and their only son, Narindra Isurdeen. Together, the couple has a strong and happy bond, because they have the same family-related goals while working diligently to pursue them.

Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse for Uttamkumar on February 27, 2010. He was involved in an accident while travelling in a minibus on the Success public roadway. His son was just eight months old at the time. The driver lost control while attempting to overtake a car, and Isurdeen was, unfortunately, one of many passengers who suffered severe injuries. He suffered a fractured spine, along with other injuries. “The extent of my injuries was extreme; my mobility was completely lost due to the severity of the injury, which forced me to use a wheelchair, and I am still trying to cope fully, because my life has changed drastically because of an uncaring driver,” expressed the father of one.

Depending on a wheelchair makes it difficult for him to fulfill his responsibilities as a husband and father, but this reality does not limit him. He can still contribute and accomplish the family goals he’s always hoped for, with the help of his wife, son, and well-wishers. He enjoys being a father, immensely, and explained that it has been fantastic for him, because he gets to spend a lot of quality time with his son. Isurdeen described spending time with his son by saying, “We engage in a variety of leisure activities together, but cricket is our most intense pastime. Since my son wants to be a pilot and a cricketer, I spend much of my time in the backyard, working with him.”

Being a father and husband means everything to Isurdeen. He constantly thinks about ideas and things that he can do to make his family happy. Isurdeen extensively looked for part-time jobs to continue supporting his family, and was lucky enough to find one. He said that navigating daily tasks and pain is never easy. However, he has a part-time weekend job with the Assuria Insurance Company. Isurdeen expressed that he cannot yet work full hours, due to the constant pain he experiences. He also stressed that he wishes accessibility for persons living with disabilities was easier in Guyana, especially as it relates to employment. He wishes for a universal design of all public facilities, for easier access and inclusion. Some day, he hopes to become fully independent, by working full-time and earning a higher income for his family.

He will always support his son in any activity; he aims to guide and let him have a bright future. Sometimes, his son questions why he can’t walk or stand by himself, but Isurdeen expressed that as the child grows older, he is becoming normalised to his limitations. “He is slowly learning about the reality of life,” said Isurdeen. “Anything can happen within a split second.”

His commitment and dedication are evident in his will to persevere, no matter what. A beaming Isurdeen wanted to advise fathers and parents with words of encouragement. He said, “My advice is that your kids will love you for who you are; they are blessings to a family, and as your children grow, they will see these life lessons, your actions and love of life. Be the role model.” He teaches his son every day to be appreciative, and love everyone despite what they can do or how they look, and he hopes everyone can do the same as well.