Despite lifetime of trials, Rowena’s light shines
“I have a very unusual background,” states 82-year-old Rowena Womack of Warsaw. “Everyone has a interesting story, but my story happens to begin with being born with tuberculosis.”
Raised by her aunt and uncle after her father died of the disease and her mother became unable to care for her and her two sisters, Womack experienced a childhood wrought with sickness. A bright spot during that time was music. She sang and took piano lessons. Her wish was to become a professional singer.
During her sixth grade year, however, it was clear she would never be a singer. The tuberculosis, which affects the lungs, returned and the little girl spent the next four years recovering in isolation.
“I never went out of the house. No one could see me except my aunt to bring me meals. I couldn’t have contact with anyone.”
She returned to school as a freshman in high school, but was not able to join band or choir due to her weakened state. She was also not prepared for the cruelness of the other children.
“They didn’t want to associate with me. They knew I had been sick and either thought I was faking it or their parents told them not to talk to me because I would make them sick, too,” she said. “They tormented me.”
To compensate for not being able to continue with music lessons, Womack turned to speech class. She wrote speeches that won top honors at the state level. Still, she didn’t consider herself a great writer.
“I didn’t start writing until the 1990s,” she said. “In the mean time, I was married twice and had six children.”
Neither marriage lasted, and Womack raised her children as a single parent while working relentlessly to provide for them.
“There were many pitfalls in my life, but also so many wonderful times,” she said. “I am very aware that God has had a hand in my life. I’m extremely grateful for that.”
During the mid-90s, Womack contracted lymphoma cancer, which was caused by her tuberculosis treatment as a child. It took countless surgeries, treatments and five years to get back to normal. During that time, she worked part-time when she was able.
“My mind was always working though. Many times, poems would come to my mind at work,” said Womack, who still holds a part-time job at TranZstar, Inc. “Many people thought those poems would make cute stories for children’s books.”
Womack has published three children’s books to date. Two others, “Tommy Two Shoes and Balls“ will be released shortly. Womack’s first book, Popcorn, was accepted into the Library of Congress’ permanent collection this past May.
“I used to think my poems were silly and corny, but kids really need those type of positive stories,” said Womack, who has two sons who have also published books. “I don’t have a specific philosophy for life. Life on earth is hard. All I can say is follow the Golden Rule and always be quick to forgive.”
For more information on Womack’s writing, go to rowenawomack.com.