By Jared Liddell
Mothers are a pivotal part of the family. They act as a protector, provider, nurturer, and in many cases even a friend. Seventy-six-year-old Desiree Spencer, known as ‘Aunty Waveney’ of Louisa Rowe has been a mother to not only her children but to many in the community. Spencer, a soft-spoken mother of four and a grandmother of eight raised her children with the help of her husband and mother while she worked as a midwife at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

The Pepperpot Magazine asked Spencer what being a mother means to her; without hesitation, she said, “It means unconditional love. Motherhood is one of the most unique qualities that God has given to humans, and the love that mothers have for their child or children is one that is of God.” She continued, “A mother would sacrifice herself of many things so that her child could be taken care of, and I have always tried to do that for my children.”

Spencer who spent her younger years as a midwife reminisced on raising her children, stating that although she had such a demanding job she still always made the time to be with her children and offer them the best life she could. With quiet conviction, she said she placed great emphasis on prayer and seeking guidance from God as it related to raising her children.

Further, she said that one of the biggest lessons she learnt was that of children mimicking the behaviour patterns of their parents. She said that she learnt that fact very early on from her own mother who she and her siblings had patterned some of their behaviours after.

She stated that she did feel torn when she had to leave her eldest child at home to carry out her midwifery duties. “He was only about one year old, and I had to leave him home to go to work, and I felt a little sad to leave him, but I had my mother who made herself available to come to my home and look after him when I had to work at nights.”

She stated that she learnt throughout the years that a mother has the duty to uphold, encourage, maintain, protect and help their child or children, and she worked to ensure that she exhibited these traits and continues to exhibit them even though her children are all adults and have families of their own. She said that as a mother, she always made sure that when she reprimanded her children she sat down and gave them an explanation on where they went wrong.

“I always tried to ensure that my children and I had open communication; I think that as a mother I had to ensure I was able to not only correct my children and reprimand them but that I could also listen to their concerns. I think this type of relationship benefitted my family greatly, my children were able to express themselves and I got to understand them a lot better,” she said.

Spencer currently lives with the youngest of her sons and says that although he is an adult, she still treats him with love and affection because a mother’s love never goes away. She said that although her other children do not reside with her she still considers them her babies.

Spencer, who is regarded as a mother figure in her Wortmanville community said that she has had a maternal instinct since giving birth to her own children and she later joined the ‘mothers’ club at the St. Georges Cathedral, where she said they were taught several core values a mother is expected to have. The retired midwife has always extended a hand to help her neighbours with any medical issues they may have encountered.

She even performed several safe home deliveries for her neighbours and at present has a special relationship with one of the babies she delivered who visits her on a daily basis.

One of her neighbours told the Pepperpot Magazine that she remembers when she had received first and second degree burns to her body and had been a bit scared to visit the hospital and “Aunty Waveney” being the maternal figure she was, made herself available for two months daily go to her home and help her clean and dress the burns until they had healed completely. So caring is this mother figure that young expectant mothers in the community still consult her often during their own pregnancies.

When asked what piece of advice she would give to younger mothers, Spencer said “I would advise them to first ask God for guidance, allow yourself to have an open relationship with your child or children and remember that each child comes with their own personality and that you have to work to ensure that you provide for them and protect them. Motherhood is unconditional love and I would encourage them to love unconditionally.”

Spencer said that she is happy that her motherly love extends not only to her biological children but also to the many whose lives she has lovingly touched.