Paralysed for 19 years, Sinuvaca tailor continues her craft with determination

For 58-year-old Merewalesi Vakacegu, every stitch is a reminder that life did not defeat her.

Paralysed for 19 years, the tailor from Sinuvaca, Mudu in Lomaiviti continues to work from her chair, using only her hands to keep her dream alive.

On April 5, 2006, her world changed. She lost the use of her legs, and with it came voices with that came voices telling her she would never sew again.

“People said I was done,” she said. “But I told myself, if my hands still work, then I still have a future."

Sewing has been the love of her life her passion since primary school. She even studied Home Economics at Laucala Bay Secondary back then to perfect her craft school to sharpen her skills.

So when paralysis struck, she refused to let it end the only thing that made her feel whole the work that made her feel whole.

Instead, she adapted. With a hand-roll machine sewing machine beside her, she taught herself how to sew again, slow, painful, and determined slowly, painfully and with determination.

Today, the sound of that machine fills her home daily as customers continue to bring in their orders.

“I may not walk,” she said, “but I can still provide. I can still make something beautiful.”

Ms Vakacegu uses her experience to encourage others living with disabilities. She believes there is always a path a way forward, even when life feels heavy.

“Don’t lock yourself away,” she said. “There is still a way to earn, to live, to be part of the world.”

With her hands guiding every stitch, she continues to build her future, one piece of fabric, one order, one brave day at a time.

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj