Encourages youths to be honest

By Indrawattie Natram

HONESTY for Lucretia Bradford is a quality that every individual should inculcate in their lives if they want to be happy. That was the advice given by Lucretia Bradford one of Essequibo eldest females. She believes that one can go a far way if they instill this quality in their everyday life. Born on May 25, 1917, Bradford – also known as ‘Sister Baby’ – celebrated her 102nd birthday this year.

When asked what her secret to a healthy life was, she told Pepperpot Magazine that she believed that serving God, eating healthy and living a life of celibacy brought her all this way. Apart from her dim vision, Bradford does not suffer from any ailment or affliction and still enjoys doing things for herself such as showering and walking around the house.

Her daughter Patsy Bradford currently takes care of her and according to Patsy, it’s a blessing for her. She said she feeds her mother mostly soups and avoids giving her tablets/medications. The woman said that she is very fortunate to be given the opportunity to still take care of her mother. She said she admired her mother’s zest and enthusiasm in life

Reminiscing, Elder Bradford, said that she remembers caring for her seven children even after her husband passed away. Of her seven children, only three are still alive.
Reflecting on her younger life, ‘Sister Baby’ said that she spends most of her childhood in Cullen Village where she was born and married. She recalled assisting her mother and aunt practising midwifery. She also enjoyed working on the farms and fetching stones to build roads.

“I was the eldest of my siblings, as such, I used to have [a lot] work to do. A lot of responsibilities were on me, especially when my parents would have to go to work, but I enjoyed taking care of my sisters and brothers,” she said, adding that she earned a living from selling, cutting cane and doing domestic work.

“Long ago, people do anything, they fetch wood, cut cane, fetch stones and walk long distances to get the work done. I did a lot of work with my hands to provide for my family, I didn’t regret it, I am reaping the rewards now,” Bradford said.

A staunch Christian, Aunty Baby said that she continues to worship the Almighty. She said that it is the strength of God that has her sailing through life. She said that although she doesn’t make it to Church regularly the church usually comes to her. Bradford said she believes in the Bible and is living according to the principle of the Christian religion.
Throughout the interview, she constantly thanked God for his grace and guidance. Bradford celebrated her birthday recently with her family and friends. She said her family usually throws her a thanksgiving celebration yearly. The centenarian is also happy to see her fourth generation.

The woman said she earned respect from others from an early age when she was very helpful in her community. She said she helped a lot of young mothers bring forth children by “fixing” their womb when misplaced.

“I saved a lot of marriages. I fixed the women abdomen and I used to boil bushes and give them to drink, some of them still remember my kindness,” the elder said.

Aunty Bradford is, therefore, advising young people to value their lives and to not to judge or be jealous of anyone. She advised that God has a plan for everyone and that people just put their trust into him.