Residents of St Joseph’s home optimistic despite challenges

A small group of optimistic women whose ages range from 60 to 92 years old ushered in the New Year at St Joseph’s Home at 73 Vlissengen Road, Wortmanville Georgetown, smiling despite their obvious physical and environmental challenges.

When this newspaper visited just before New Year’s Eve, a smiling and seemingly soft-spoken 79-year-old Margaret Jones who, by the end of the visit, proved to be feisty, was looking out the window.

“When I see the car pull up, I thought it was my daughter, she told me she would be coming by to visit me today,” she said.

Jones extended endless hugs and kisses—and along with the other women—offered a warm and hospitable welcome. The other residents are Elsie Robinson, 83; Clarice January, 92; and a 60-year-old who asked that we not publish her name or photograph.

Elsie Robinson
Elsie Robinson

In a chat that lasted for about the next hour, they were happy to share with Stabroek News their collective wish for the New Year that “there be peace on earth and for everyone to live in love and harmony.”

The 60-year-old said she also hoped that the love of God would surround people everywhere.

Reflecting on how they spent the Christmas holidays, the 60-year-old, whose left leg is amputated, is completely blind in the left eye and sees only blurry in the other, is wheelchair-bound and suffers from diabetes, said the day passed quietly. She spoke proudly of her daughter taking a “fancy Christmas lunch” for her which she thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated.

As a woman of faith with her trust firmly grounded in God, she related to Stabroek News that in spite of her daily trials, she knows that Almighty God is in charge of her life and plans to fulfil His will for her.

Robinson, who has a hearing impairment, shared a warm smile and pleasant personality. “Darling, I spent the day quiet,” she said.

Although she is totally blind, January has no other physical ailment. Stabroek News was told that she is healthy and well and that whenever her daughter takes her for medical check-ups, the doctor reports that she is in good health.

Sitting relaxed on a sofa, she said she too had a quiet Christmas.

Jones, clearly the sprightliest, sat anxiously in a corner waiting. “I thought you wouldn’t a come to me, you meet me first, but you lef me fuh last,” she jested, beginning to chuckle.

She seemed to have wanted to talk about a million other things, but was quickly redirected by the others to “just tell the reporter about how you spent your Christmas, Margaret.”

Obviously disappointed, her countenance drooped and she then rattled off: “It was good. My daughter wanted me to go at her on Christmas day, but I din go, because I wanted to stay here and cook my own things and so. But she came and visited me later in the day.”

The women related that 2015 was particularly challenging because of their various physical ailments. That apart however, they remain optimistic about the year ahead.

For the New Year, they hope to have assistance to effect much needed repairs to the physical structure of their facility including enhanced security, and regular weeding of the yard. The 60-year-old said that they would welcome whatever assistance was offered by the business and private community.

She also took the time to express gratitude to those entities and private individuals who have so far played an instrumental role in rendering assistance to the home.

Clarice January
Clarice January

President of the home, Thelma Roach who also expressed gratitude to donor agencies, indicated that additional assistance would be welcomed. For the New Year, she hopes to have a live-in matron at the facility.

Currently, the 60-year-old and January are provided with meals by their children; while Jones would cook from time-to-time for herself and Robinson. Additionally, organizations such as the Salvation Army would provide meals.

Roach also said that there is need for a doctor and physiotherapist to make regular visits to the home so that they can provide medical attention where necessary. There is also need for a vehicle and driver so that the women can be afforded the opportunity of recreation.

Roach said that above all, it is her wish that the women would be comfortable. She added that at present, the home is run by stipend contributions that the women would make from their pensions, as well as proceeds from fund raising activities held by committee members of the Ladies of Charity association.

The home which was established in 1927 has as part of its mission statement, “to serve the sick and poor in their bodily needs.” It is run by the Ladies of Charity Guyana Association, under the auspices of the Catholic Church.

As Stabroek News prepared to leave, the women offered another round of hugs and kisses, urging us to “come back again soon.”

Jones did not want her photograph taken, she said, until we, “come again and do an interview with me alone and take my picture alone, or I would give you one when you come back.”

There was general laughter at her feistiness.

Though they face tremendous challenges, the residents of St Joseph’s inspire a wealth of hope; their optimism is a source of encouragement to others.