Good morning Ms. Brown, I trust you are well. It’s not very often that you meet a person who shakes your hand and at the same time touches your heart. I was fortunate to meet another such person; none other than the late Genevieve Brown; that encounter happened in May 2018. Although she was tall in stature, she was very gentle and pleasant. I was introduced to her by a former colleague at one of our events. Within seconds of being introduced to her, she told me that I resembled her daughter, she tightly held my hands, greeted me with a radiant smile, playful chuckle and embrace. Looking on, one would think that we were acquainted years before that initial introduction. Certainly, it felt that way to me. As our conversation continued, Ms Genevieve commended me immediately on my duties, especially regarding my service to the senior citizens population as a young person. She volunteered her services and support. In accepting her offer, I informed her that I was in the planning process of restructuring our culinary programme. This area of expertise, I later learnt, was one of her forte. Instead of boasting about her several accolades, instead, she exuded humility. Like the consummate teacher that I later learnt she was, ready to empower and always equipped – she took out her pencil and within seconds she outlined on paper and suggested ways in which I could enhance several aspects of the event. Having incorporated some of her suggestions, the event was a success. Occasionally, I would see her when I attended the planning meetings for the St. Mary Agri Expo. She always greeted me with a tight hug, that playful chuckle and a radiant smile. She always asked how I was doing, reminded me that she was ready to give her support for our activities at any time and that she was just a phone call away. Proudly, our seniors won the 2018 competition at the expo and went on to be placed 2nd in 2019. Although we did not get to work on any additional projects or activities, it was reassuring to know that her support was always forthcoming We offer our deepest condolences to her children, siblings, relatives and friends. In these comforting words found in Psalms 116 we are reminded “Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His saints”. Her tight hug, that playful chuckle and radiant smile will be greatly missed. These are just my few words. I am wishing you all the best, Ms. Ernesta. Thank you. Ruth Stennett Programme Organiser, Income Security National Council for Senior Citizens
