2012-Sep-21-1948Hrs
"When an elder of the village dies, it as if an entire library has burned to the ground "Amadou Diop.
I think of all the knowledge of herbal medicines she took with her. I think of her recipe for fruit cake, which you called the best in the world, and I agreed 95% The other five percent going to the late Mrs. Lilian Dowding of Willimsville, and Arima.I think of the journey she has travelled, raising children in those hardscrabble times, and living to see them prospering.
Her age was almost the same as that of my Great Aunt Sa-say, who left us in 1985.She was born in 1899 and was a Williams of Williamsville. These strong old women knew how to deal with crises, shortages, and were our first guidance counselors. They hugged us when we hurt, and gave lots of unasked advice. They also knew who was short of food and managed to send something to that house, as if their own houses were overflowing with plenty, when they were not. These were the She-elephants of our tribe. The ones who led with their strength and determination, and were examples to all.Their faith in God was rock solid. They believed in us, and loved us because we were theirs.
May your mother's spirit find joy in rejoining the ancestors.
Your friend,
Linda Ewards
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