By Femi Harris
Centenarian Margaret Hamilton has attributed her longevity to relying daily on God’s strength, healthy eating and exercise, and, as she puts it, “keeping out of the night dew.”
The jovial little lady who celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday told Stabroek News in a lively chat that she feels a sense of accomplishment having been granted the opportunity of living through ten decades.
‘Granny’, as she is fondly called, explained that she considers herself a walking history source, having been exposed to various historical epochs through the years.
The mother of 10 said that she along with her children decided that the best way to spend the birthday is by “giving back.” In that light, she said it was an honour to have been able to donate food to some 73 less fortunate children of the Joshua House.
Hamilton was all smiles when this newspaper arrived at her 58 Joseph Pollydore Street home yesterday, explaining how special she felt at being constantly bombarded by the press who wanted to have a chat with her and the unending line of well wishers and telephone calls.
A devout Christian for 78 years at the Trinity Methodist Church, ‘Granny’ boasted that she has “never ever worn a pair of spectacles” nor has she ever had to see a doctor for any form of serious illness.
According to ‘Granny’ who still boasts a sharp memory, a full head of hair and the ability to walk unaided, she now just visits the doctor for occasional check-ups.
“I feel good about myself and strong in my body!” she exclaimed when asked about her physical strength. She admitted, however, that every now and then she would feel a bit tired after walking, standing or talking for long periods but stressed that apart from that, “I am just blessed.”
‘Granny’ said that she has managed to make it to 100 not-out and will be around to “play” many more matches with God’s help and guidance.
The centenarian, who described herself as “blessed and highly favoured” said that from a tender age she has always enjoyed cooking and continues the practice as a delightful pastime. She noted however that her children and grandchildren are very protective of her and limit her time in the kitchen.
The good-natured grandmother of 44 is a specialist in preparing cook-up with pigtail and insists that it must be served with some chilled mauby. She said also that she enjoys foo-foo.
In her quiet moments she reads her bible.
Two of her children, Verly and Walter Hamilton, told Stabroek News that although they permanently reside abroad, they always ensure that they return to Guyana to celebrate their mother’s birth anniversaries.
‘Granny’ said her birthday celebrations were somewhat marred because there is the ever present memory of having lost three of her children, the last one passing on October 25. But she said, “God knows best.”
The great grandmother of 66 and great-great grandmother of 13 was expected to have closed yesterday’s celebrations by attending a special church service planned in her honour at the Trinity Methodist Church, High Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown.
