Colour him father - Stepdad stands by physically challenged son

Icema Richardson could not have asked for a better partner than Lucan Johnson, and Akili Chambers could not have found a more supportive stepfather.

Johnson, 39, came into their lives after Chambers' father died. The boy, who is physically challenged, was just five years old. Though not his biological son, Johnson has loved and cared for Akili as if he came from his own loins.

"I love his mother very much, I love mi family and I didn't have any other choice but to make sure I gave of my best and ensure they have the best life that I can provide for them," Johnson, who lives in Portland Cottage, Clarendon, told THE WEEKEND STAR.

For Johnson, loving Akili, 16, is a no-brainier.

"I treat him the same way I would treat any human except, I have a stronger bond with him because I love his mother, and it is an extension of that love. As my granny would say, 'if you love the cow you must love the calf'," he quipped.

The father, who has two children with Richardson - Luke Jr and Layla - is fiercely protective of Akili, who relies on a walker or a wheelchair to get around.

"It's really difficult with Akili to get him to school because he doesn't stand properly and walk properly on his own, so taking him to school, it is very difficult. You have to put him on a taxi, and most taxi operators won't even carry him because it's a challenge for them also," Johnson shared.

Richardson hails Johnson as a loving, wonderful, hard-working father.

"I couldn't have chosen better. He treats my son in the best way possible, I couldn't ask for anything less or more, he is trying his best and I am grateful," she said.

Akili, a teenager, was diagnosed with tuberculosis when he was seven months old, and this caused him to spend three months in hospital. She is hoping that by some miracle, she will one day be able to see her son walking. The youngster is scheduled to see a bone specialist as well as a physiotherapist shortly, and his mother is hoping that they will help her boy to walk for the first time at last.

Meanwhile, Akili is not only battling disability. Like most Jamaican students, he is required to attend classes online due to the closure of school plants as part of measures employed by the Government to slow the spread of COVID-19. However, he has not been in school for the past three months as the phone he was using to connect to the Internet, so he could attend classes, got damaged.

"Come September, he doesn't have any gadget to use and I am hoping he will get one," his mother said.

As for Akili, he said that he enjoys going to school and interacting with his friends. He admitted that there are days when he "feels bad" about his condition, but whenever those moments come along, he tries to dig deep and focus on the big picture, which is to achieve his goal of being a businessman.

His stepfather, who is a fisherman, is convinced that the dream can be realised. He said that with a little help, he could make things better for his family. As Father's Day approaches, his wish is for a new engine for his fishing boat.

"I have been going to sea but the engine is slow and it can stop working at any given time...I really need this help," the dedicated father said.

Lucan Johnson may be contacted via telephone at (876) 293-1725, while Icema Richardson can be reached at (876) 406-2011.