Man cares for stepdaughter with cerebral palsy

Despite separating from her mother some time ago, Tareek Miller is determined to continue playing the role of father to his 15-year-old stepdaughter, Tashi Turner, who has cerebral palsy.

Miller said that he has unconditional love for the teen just the same, and told THE STAR that he travels from his Duhaney Park home everyday after work to visit her in Seaview Gardens, where she lives with her mother Alisha Coleman and her siblings. Tashi's medical condition hinders her from living a normal life. She is unable to do anything for herself as her mobility is limited. She doesn't speak and is also visually impaired.

Miller often carries her in his arms to her medical appointments, or even the park. As she lay her head on Miller's shoulders, he hugged her tightly, and stated that although their genetics are different, she will forever be his little girl.

"The first time I saw Tashi my heart just went out for her. It wasn't pity, no, just instantly love her and from dat mi promise miself say mi ago do good by her. She is my daughter and will always be mine. Mi and her mother not together but mi nah leave her. Mi love both a dem. Mi can't even explain," he said. Miller, who does not have any biological children, became emotional as he wiped her face with a rag.

"When mi at work she on mi mind because I know she can't help herself, so I want to be there for her to be her eyes, hands and legs. Sometimes mi cry the living eye water because mi love mi likkle girl. I swear on mi life," he said. Coleman said her ex-partner is the perfect father for Tashi.

"Anywhere she going is him always carry her. Him lift her up and take her to clinic and if she get admitted at hospital, him will tell mi to visit in the morning and him go in the night and all stay with her. He is the perfect father for her," Coleman said.

As tears flowed, she added: "Honestly, mi never know I would find someone like him. I never know anyone would love my little girl the way he does. When I realise he had genuine love for her, I tell myself that never on this lifetime I would find someone like Tareek. Him always show up once I call him about her, although we are not together."

Tashi has never seen the inside of a classroom, despite several attempts to get her enrolled. Miller is hoping for better days for Tashi.

"I am afraid of her being in daycare because she cannot see or speak, so I don't want anyone to mistreat her. Mi know good people deh a road but mi still fraid. Is like mi mind walking with her in mi arms but a wheelchair would make her be more independent. Mi would want to see har go school. That would be mi perfect gift for Fathers' Day, " he said.