Not many people have the privilege of having their great-grandparents around them, but I was lucky enough to be one of those few.
My great-grandmother, or Granny Maggie as all of us used to call her, was a hardworking woman, independent and faithful. From making nacatamals, selling bolis, doormats made out of recycled cloth, guava jelly, and much more, she knew how to do things on her own, rarely ever asking much from others.
She always believed that God would provide for her every day, and as she cut coconuts in the afternoon to later feed her chickens, she would hum the gospel medleys she listened to on the radio—her way of connecting with her Creator.
With her blue eyes, sitting in solitude, she would look out to the horizon of the Caribbean from her native Sandfly Bay, monologuing or healing whoever passed by, yelling, “Granny.”
I will forever cherish the conversations I had with her in her kitchen or living room, ever since I was a kid, where she would recall with pleasure some of her experiences from her youth, share a spooky tale that crossed her mind, or tell me the latest news I wasn’t aware of.
Her guava jelly never failed whenever I visited her before leaving the island. She would always put it in a black bag and tell me to take it for the end of the trip, to eat with bread.
With the little she had, she tried to share with others, even if it was a plate of rundown, fried fish or a boli. She was happy and valued those who were always around. For me, she was an example of the joy and pleasure a simple and independent life brings.
As she now rests and has travelled to where she always called “Up there, Home,” I honour her life and am thankful for having her around throughout my childhood and young adult life.
She will surely be deeply missed by those who loved and cared for her.
Rest in peace, Granny!
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