Valentines means a lot for some people while for others its nostalgia of heartbreak.
Yet there are stories of love and moving on in the garden of love that is most inspiring.
Let's give a round of applause for those brave souls.
Thursday 9 February 2012
Lives of people who are heartbroken yet walking tall on the garden of love.
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I met a gentleman in Guyana recently. He told me his story of love. He met his late wife 36 years ago. Until now after a year he writes to her poems! They actually eloped since there was a difference of religion but that did not stop him from supporting her faith. Amazing love. He remembers everyday and writes his thoughts to her in his little exercise book!
ReplyDeleteLucille Mittelholzer, M.B.E; Matchmaker
ReplyDeleteFebruary 14, 2012 | By KNews | Filed Under Letters
DEAR EDITOR,
On February 9th 2012, this proud daughter of Guyana turned the grand old age of 101.
Miss Lucille Irene Mittelholzer M.B.E, has lived a life that has touched many. So much so that in 1966 she was awarded an M.B.E (Member of the British Empire), for her social service work. From the Red Cross and Girl Guides to assisting in the establishment of an old folks home in New Amsterdam, she gave unselfishly to others.
A native of Berbice, Lucille always spoke with pride and a glint of ‘longing to return home’ in her voice.
In recent months her mind has taken refuge in the era in which she was recognised for her community work. She speaks mostly of long deceased friends and relatives that made up her world back then.
British Guiana, to Lucille, was a wonderful country with so much promise. Her family home in Coburg Street stood opposite the Police Station and next door to the Luckhoo family. Mangoes, jamuns, grapefruits, oranges and five finger were just a few of the fruit trees in her yard. Her neighbours and friends were never short of jam and fresh fruit, courtesy of the Mittelholzers.
Shortly after the passing of her parents in the early ‘70s, she moved to the UK, continuing her altruistic efforts.
Never marrying nor having a long term partner, loneliness had crept in. Her advancing age notwithstanding, many of her UK-based friends and relatives having died, visitors were far and few between.
My connection with the Mittelholzers was that my father and his seven brothers often visited with the Mittelholzer family in their youth. Upon hearing that she was living on her own, at her advanced age, I began visiting Lucille at her London flat four years ago.
Conversation one afternoon led to the discussion of her famous brother, the author Edgar Austin Mittelholzer. His book entitled, The Swarthy Boy, written as an autobiography, was on display in her home. With Lucille’s permission I borrowed it with the intention of learning more about her family background.
In the meantime a philosophy student, Juanita Cox, perusing her PhD had befriended Lucille. Her thesis was based on the writing of Edgar Mittelholzer and his sister had provided much insight into the world in which he grew up.
In Lucille’s advanced age she mistakenly informed Juanita that some tall chap named Westmaas had come into her flat and stole her book. Enraged that someone would actually do such a thing, Juanita tracked me down. Fortunately she bought my explanation and we decided to meet shortly thereafter and visit our mutual friend. We have been visiting together ever since!
The contribution of this wonderful lady has been acknowledged in many ways, except matchmaker. Possibly her final accomplishment.
Juanita and I were happily married last March.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Rod Westmaas
London, UK
Amazing!
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