2012-Nov-23-0751Hrs
Dear Errol:
Ansel Knight raises an issue that has been a bother for me for the last two years. Since returning to the country in 2008 I have gone to see Fitzy several times. Gwendoline Williams had done quite a bit in getting him cleaning help for a period. But his living situation has deteriorated to the point where I had given up going there, unable to bear seeing this great man amid the conditions. His brain is at sharp as it ever was and that is a problem, because he rationalises that his dogs have been loyal and he cant get rid of them. But the dogs have torn the place apart and are out of control now.
One long term solution is for contributions that could support the hiring of a cleaner who would go there somewhat regularly. That was Gwendoline's solution for some time. It kept the place clean. But we cant expect a cleaner to follow behind dogs. So removal of all but one of the dogs will have to be a pre-condition he must accept. Further, we could do a makeover of his living room and kitchen. The dogs destroyed his furniture.
He remains as wise as ever, but on the question of his living situation he is completely irrational. I have had at least three prolonged arguments with him on the dogs and lost.
I should have known. He coached the Mausica debating team of 1968, comprised of Gwendoline, Noel T and I, when we beat UWI in our auditorium. He still is the champion debater, not willing yet to concede to his students. But this man is about 94! He has complained about not getting regular newspapers...we could try a bribe here. Its a challenge. We might have to use PSYCHOLOGY.
I think we could we could tell him about Grell Cup, and how we were shamed by him if our hostel was not up to par in Grell Cup week. That might break him.
One year he was unhappy with our efforts in Haven during Grell Cup week because we did not make extra efforts to clean. He placed the following sign on the notice board outside of the auditorium: FAIR HAVEN: CAMPUS DONKEY!
I commend Ansel, and will be among those who show up this next Sunday morning.
But we will have to have a more permanent solution, and that may call for a FAMILY MEETING.
Scratchy 67-69
Theodore Lewis
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