'Aunt Vie'
BEAT THE ODDS TO MAKE HER CENTURY
Violet Douglas, more popularly called Aunt Vie by her loved ones, celebrated her hundredth birthday on Sunday – a feat many thought would not be possible as she had malaria as a child, and was always very sickly. However, it seemed that after each bout of sickness, she came back much stronger.
If there is any regret surrounding the milestone for her family is the fact that they were not able to have a big celebration due to COVID-19induced restrictions.
According to granddaughter, Eurica Douglas, the plan was “to have been a big thing, her favourite songs, having the family together, and just sharing on fond memories”.
But with the COVID-19 pandemic now a factor and social distancing, they are ‘promising’ Aunt Vie a belated celebration.
Aunt Vie, a resident of Crofts Hill, moves around with the aid of a walker as a result of breaking her hip in 2012. The centenarian shared the secret to her longevity. She said it can be found in Exodus 20:12: ‘Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.’ In addition, Aunt Vie said that her mother had a strict ritual; early to bed, early to rise, to ensure they had proper rest.
“She is hailed as a survivor, a resilient soul who just keeps on giving,” Eurica said. “She can still recall the old days and give words of encouragement, with a tremor in her voice, but with a smile that will warm any heart.”
Having reached the ripe age of 100, Aunt Vie now has a challenge with her speech. Her son Cecil recalls some fun times with her. He said Aunt Vie loved to rhyme on the spot about everything.
One such memory he shared is “Oh Larks, Mr Clarke, When you pass me dog bark, And you a go a bush, me no see you with no fork, A when you a go a Worthy Park.”
Of course, his mom would not go through the day unless she tunes in to her favourite radio station, and she had no shame in admitting that her dial was stuck on Radio Jamaica 94 FM.
“She also enjoyed watching the news and tuning in to Schools’ Challenge Quiz,” her son said.
Aunt Vie, Cecil said, never failed to remind all the women in her family that their hair is their beauty. Every morning, before doing her chores, she would comb her hair. Laughing, Cecil said that he didn’t question his mother’s commitment to the Lord because she gave up ‘pressing’ her hair after she got baptised.
An active worker in church, Aunt Vie also had time for those in her community as she used to help the young children with their homework. She also shared the proceeds from a business she ran with her now deceased husband Lloyd, a grocery store. If help was needed, she never turned her back. It is for this reason she is now regarded as a ‘heroine’ in her community.