When people who inspire and give us joy exist in our lives, we should be thankful for them and let them know how much we care. For the past few days my thoughts have been centered on a beautiful and kind woman with whom I shared a very special bond with for approximately 8 years. She might have been referred to by various names, but for me she was simply Granny Berry. We first got close during my childhood years when she would come to church and then drive home with my family. I can remember the special moments I would have walking her home from my gate, she was a small bundle of joy. Our Sunday afternoons spent together were always cherished as she would show me her relics and souveneirs, I had a fascination with her beaded necklaces-she even gave me a few. I enjoyed being around her so much that most times I would stay till way past my dinner time and my mother would have to come and call me home. I would have so much fun picking young pomegranate and tamrinds and get lost in my make believe world with Granny Berry. I feel blessed to have interacted closely with her in my early years, we might not have been related by blood, but our bond existed in our hearts and in the unconditional love God gave to us.
When I started Hampton I can remember Granny Berry saying she wouldnt live to see me finish first form, but live she did. I graduated from Hampton last June and I laughed and Granny cried when I reminded her of her original sentiments about dying before my graduation.

I would have to be honest and say that I regret not having spent more time with her during the last 2 years of her life. She would often send messages to me saying how much she missed her 'baby' and I sure felt special those times. I relocated to Kingston last September to attend university and I would often hear how she frets for my safety. She had that passionate way of loving everyone around her. I know most people who met her will not forget her, she is my personal treasure, in my heart but never far from my thoughts.

In December of 2007 when granny left us for home it was a very sad day for many. My mother called me the morning to deliver the dreaded news, I dont know why, I felt sad but in my innermost I felt at peace because she had always wanted to go home to her God. She was someone I loved and I can never forget because of the role she played in my life.

Many might not understand why I would post such private thoughts in this forum, but it is to give you an understanding of my feeling towards this special lady. It is getting near to the date when she left maybe that is why I feel the stirring to write this. I am suppossed to be studying for my exam tomorrow, but my vision is clouded with tears as beautiful moments shared with 'Granny' come rushing to mind.

May we all love and care for the people we hold special and always let them know how much they mean to you.(I wish I had done more of that)
Blessings to all!

Tresan,
You were lucky to have such a wonderful "Granny" in your life. My own Granny Mary gave me that same unconditional love. I could never do any wrong in her eyes. We all need someone to show us that kind of love and make us feel "special". She is still with you, don't forget. You may miss her, but others were never lucky enough to have someone like that. Good luck in your school - make Granny Berry proud!

Thank you very much for sharing your beautifully written thoughts with us Tresan and for reminding us all to take the time to spend with those we love. A very good message particularly for this time of year.

Tresan, What a lovely sentiment of auntie Berry. Tears were brought to my eyes as was reading it you are an amazing young lady and I wish all the best with your studies.

Tres,
thanks for writing so much lovely thinks about granny Berry. I just called my grand mother and was talking to her about her and we both started crying, it's hard even to think she is gone.

luv
Nadine

Tres,
it's me again. I find myself keep going back to your atricle and each time i find myself crying. One of the thing that really upsets me is that whenever i visited granny Berry she would always say you won't find me alive when you come next,this time i am afraid it is true. I don't know how i am going to face going back home, i could not even face going to her funeral. My granny had such an impact on my she was and is the most special granny there will ever be, she was UNIQUE in every way possible. I am always talking to my baby about her eventhough i know she is too young to understand. I broke down the other day when i saw her kissing granny Berry's picture. I know they say time heals everything but for me i don't know how much time i will need to heal, that is how special my dear granny was and still is.

luv
Nadine