Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
God’s guidance will show the way to long life- Centenarian
By Abena Rockcliffe
The words of Jim Reeves—her favorite singer—”Oh Lord You know I have no friend like you,” reflects what she says is the secret to long life. Yesterday, Olive Blackmore, who can justly be referred to as a “happy old soul” celebrated her 103rd birthday. She told Kaieteur News that the secret is to utilize the guidance of God.
Dolly and her son Marvin dancing to her own rhythm.
Well decked in her fancy dress and costume jewelry and with her hair well combed, Blackmore enjoyed all that life offered her on her special day. It was indeed a packed day for her.
Blackmore, who her friends fondly call Dolly, began her celebration yesterday morning with the priest of her church going over to her house to give her communion.
By the time I got to her lot 341 Cummings Street home yesterday afternoon, Dolly had already finished up on one social and was ready for another.
The Centenarian’s loved ones, inclusive of her two sons—Gordon and Marvin—had already treated her to cake and other goodies that most who live to see her age are not allowed to eat.
But it didn’t stop there; female ranks of the number three sub-division joined in to make the day special for the centenarian.
They had visited her on Mother’s Day when she had danced for them and returned yesterday to celebrate her birthday with her,
They took cake, non-alcoholic wine, a greeting card, and a lovely bouquet of flowers. Even though she could not see what was given to her because she has lost her sight, Dolly said, “thanks, man, thanks very much.”
Dolly’s son Gordon, who came from overseas to celebrate the day, decided to poke fun at his mother by telling her that the police were there to take her away.
Dolly’s voice became strong as she questioned, “Since when I does misbehave, come y’all know I always behave myself; so why they coming to take me to the station I deh at me home, not in they way.”
Gordon had to quickly tell her the truth and the fun continued.
Dolly’s youngest son Marvin, 63, took his mother out of her chair to dance. Dolly kept a beat that had to be from back in her day; to this she danced for about one minute, and then said, “Come my foot tired.”
At one point, all the fuss became too much for her and she became silent. I guess after 102 birthdays, one wants to take it a little easy.
Dolly was born and spent her younger years in Charlestown. A few years of her adult life she spent as a seamstress, but for the most part, Dolly spent her days ensuring her house remained a home.
Dolly gave birth to 10, eight of whom are still alive. These are Cedrick, Patrica, Marie, Lawrence, Gordon, Mortimer, Claire, and Marvin. The eldest is Cedrick, 75. Only Marvin resides in Guyana.
Blackmore’s only aliment is arthritis and Rachelle Clarke, her caregiver, boasted that she is “no trouble at all.” She placed emphasis on the fact that she doesn’t wear pampers. Dolly’s long term memory is better than her short term’s and she loves pepper pot and bread.
Dolly said she is quite happy to be alive but is ready to go when God calls as “everybody else I know except my children are already with him.”
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