The unwanted: Faith, hope and courage
Many of you may have seen or interacted with this young lady at one time or another between the city of Castries and Gros Islet. I sat down with Saint Lucian, Cathlina McFarlane, to discuss her life and what a story she has to tell. Oftentimes we do not know what people are going through or have gone through along their journey of life. I hope to eventually publish her story as a way of assisting her towards achieving her goals in life. Her story is priceless but today I share with you just a snippet of it by asking her 47 questions.
What is your occupation?
I don’t have a steady job but being able to take care of my family keeps me going.
What is your biggest weakness?
Not being able to achieve the things I want for myself to go forward in my life.
What is your biggest strength?
Housekeeping, not being afraid to get to know people and helping the needy; even as others help me.
What is a cause that is important to you?
My family is a cause that is important to me.
When are you the most inspired?
When I feel like I can achieve what I set out to do, I feel inspired
Sweet or savory?
Savory.
What song can you listen to on repeat?
Gospel music keeps me going.
What makes you smile the most?
My children.
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
I am a country girl and not originally from Castries.
What are three things you can’t live without?
God, family and myself.
Leather or lace?
Lace
What is the most adventurous thing you have done in your life?
Despite going through my own hardships, I have helped strangers to not give up, for example, to not commit suicide when all they wanted to do was give up.
How would you define yourself in 3 words?
Wonderful, talented, adventurous.
What is inspiring you in your life right now?
God, who helps me to keep going and not give up, even on days when I feel I just want to rest.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
“Always keep my head up. Never look down at people. Look upwards towards success.”
What is your pet peeve?
I don’t like “when people bad talk you without knowing your story”. Also dead beat fathers and not receiving my welfare check on time and having to ask for help to make ends meet.
What is your biggest regret?
Not meeting all my original family and for all of us to be loving to each other.
How do you start your day?
When I wake up I pray, “I look in the mirror and tell myself I am beautiful and I will never give up, I will prosper.” Then I do my chores.
What is the one thing you wish you knew at age 19?
What I would need to make sure I got a job.
What is the one talent you wish you had?
Modeling, I would have loved to be a model.
What is something you still want to be doing in 10 years?
I will continue to try to achieve my goals of returning to school, getting married, getting a good job and taking care of my responsibilities as a mother in a successful way.
What is the best thing that happened for you this year?
Learning to love myself more and my family more and persons who help me like you.
What is one thing you had to learn the hard way?
We do not get money from trees.
What is something you are tired of?
My current life which many people in the society will say is “old life”. Sometimes I want to run away and just rest but I keep going for my children.
What is a trend you would like to see disappear forever?
Crime.
What is the biggest learning experience you have had?
Never let people take you for a “papishow” or take advantage of you whatever your circumstances.
What are you most excited about these days?
My son leaving school soon, a new baby on the way and my daughter doing very well at school. It brings me joy to see them doing better than I have done.
Diamonds or pearls?
Diamonds
What is heavily played on your music list right now?
Gospel music – it keeps me going every day.
What makes you feel accomplished?
Only God.
Favorite food?
My favourite food is macaroni pie, lasagne, greenfig salad, baked chicken, a salad with thousand island dressing and some lime squash.
Favourite snack?
Pringles.
What is your favourite time of day?
Daytime when I get to speak with lots of people.
What is a super power you wish you had?
Flying.
What is your favourite color?
Gold.
What is the most important thing your mom taught you?
Never rely on family or anyone for what you want. You have to work for what you want.
How would you describe your upbringing?
I had a rough upbringing. I did not know that I was adopted or that my birth mom had thrown me in a garbage bin after I was born because she could not cope. There are a lot of other stories I could tell which were not happy but that could fill up a book. I had to move from place to place after being asked to leave the home I knew when the people I lived with, and took care passed away. Life has not been easy for me.
Who is your role model?
God.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
The birds wake me up with their singing.
Coffee or tea?
Tea.
What fills your days these days?
Doing my house chores, trying to meet my needs and taking care of the children.
What is one book everyone should read?
The bible.
What is a skill you’re working on mastering?
Being the best sales person.
What do you want to be known for?
I want my children to know that I was a good mom who did her best for them.
What is your biggest fear in life?
Not being enough.
Do you prefer lipstick or lip gloss?
Both.
Any last words for your audience?
I wish I could have been there when my birth mom passed away and not have to find out about it on death announcement.
How do you feel now that we are done?
I still feel good, thank you.
Thank you so much Cathlina. I look forward to chatting with you again and wish you the very best.
Who do you think we should feature next? Nominate someone submit@damajoritygmail-com
