TODAY the Pepperpot Magazine brings to you the story of an amazing mother of seven, who, after being widowed at age 44, demonstrated determination and resilience, braved the odds and emerged triumphantly.

Maureen Sealey is the Caretaker/Supervisor of the Ted Cross Convalescence Home, D’Urban Backlands and widow of the late Dansford Sealy. Her husband, who was a former employee of the Guyana National Newspapers Ltd. And who worked there for 30 years, succumbed to terminal illness some years ago.

He had been ill for several weeks, but still, the news of his passing on Christmas Eve in 2004, came as a shock to those who knew him and whose lives he’d touched in diverse ways.

The death of Maureen’s husband came soon after their eldest son, Kevin, had graduated from the University of Guyana with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy. And therefore Kevin knew full well that much would be expected of him, now that his father was no more. In fact, it was his father’s wish that all four of their children should pursue tertiary education and make their mother proud.

And so immediately after breaking the sad news of his death to them, Maureen called the children to their father’s bedside and tearfully urged them that with the passing of their father, it is expected that they bond together even stronger and be there for each other regardless. In the ensuing days, it was a rather painful experience, but they all drew strength from his and their mother’s admonitions.

Going it alone
It was no easy task taking three children through the University of Guyana and one through the University of the West Indies, but she persevered. The needs were many, but her mantra continued to be:” My God shall supply all my needs, according to the fullness of His riches, glory by His Son Christ Jesus.”

She made sacrifices for her children. But with a strong faith in God and her determination

to work for what she set herself to, she embarked on the onerous task. It was a bumpy road, but she demonstrated strength and resilience, matched with discipline. In fact, she drew further strength from her years of paramilitary experience as rank in the Guyana National Service (GNS) prior to joining the staff of the Guyana Red Cross.

During those years in the National Service, Maureen travelled widely, gained experience living in remote locations such as Kimbia, Papaya; Matthew’s Ridge; Tumatumari; Koreri; Itabu Quarry; Kwapau and was in the Second Intake of the Hope Estate. But with discipline and a love of country, she persevered and made a name for herself. She graduated from the GNS as a Sergeant.

‘Wise head’
In fact, a Lindener, and having gleaned much experience from her association with schoolmates such as Charles Corbin, now Commissioner of the Guyana Elections Commission; Robert Corbin; Aubrey Norton and others, she was a ’wise head’ and well equipped for the task ahead.

Shortly before her husband’s death, Maureen pursued a period of training in Child Care, offered by the University of Guyana’s Institute of Distance and Continuing Education from which she graduated with distinction. That attainment saw her taking up the position of Caregiver at the Red Cross Convalescence Home, eventually moving up to the position of Supervisor.

Maureen has been able to nobly execute the task of moulding and seeing her children develop into God-fearing and fine young people of discipline and rectitude and having taken up responsible positions in their respective work settings. They have all graduated from the University of Guyana in various disciplines including Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Accounting; Social Work; Management; Journalism among others and are determined not to stop until having reached the pillars.

Today, the children continue to show gratitude to their mother for her love, affection and wise counsel. Likewise, she is equally proud and gratified that the best has come out of them.

Maureen, who has a natural love of children, is using her years at the Red Cross to show her innate love and concern for little children. In fact, she ministers to the needs of less fortunate little children. Her exhortation to her children is that they look out for the needy and express love and kindness to them, for “ Jesus went about doing good… doing all the best things He could.”