Sascha Wilson
Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
“I give God thanks for every wonderful thing He has done for me, and still doing.”
Those were the heartfelt words of centenarian Winifred John, who celebrated her 104th birthday yesterday with a prayer service and a get-together with family and friends at her home in Reservoir Hill, Point Fortin.
John, who lives alone, continues to cook, wash, tend to her garden and manage her daily routine, cherishing the independence she has maintained over the years.
She believes the secret to her long life lies in her faith in God and her kindness towards others.
“I think you have to be free-minded. You have to be pleasant in the sight of God and man. You have to do good to anybody, never mind what anyone may say or think of you,” she said.
But behind her remarkable strength and positive outlook is a life shaped by hard work, sacrifice and loss.
John recalled that her mother died when she was just five years old. The sixth of 12 siblings, she has outlived all her brothers and sisters.
A former domestic worker, John remembers the difficult days when she left home to work with little food and money.
“I work hard. Sometimes I going to work; I have one bread in my bag, but I going with it. Sometimes I can’t even buy a sweet drink for ten cents,” she recalled.
Despite the hardships, her faith remained steadfast.
“But I give God thanks for every wonderful thing He has done for me,” she said.
Having missed out on the education she longed for as a child, John now urges young people to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to them.
“They have to be obedient, be respectful, put your head to your lessons, because today I wish that I had learned something,” she said.
John also recalled arriving in Reservoir Hill in her early 40s, when the area was largely bush. With determination and help from others, she worked to build a home for herself and her children.
John married Fitz John in 1946, and the couple had seven children, two of whom have since died. Her husband also died four years ago.
Today, she’s happy and healthy, surrounded by a large family, including more than 25 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
As she begins another year of life, John said she has no intention of slowing down.
As for her birthday wish, she said, “I’m hoping and wishing that I keep as healthy as I am.”
Her son, Wilbert, 74, who lives next door, said his mother never ceases to amaze him.
“She’s always on the go. The most amazing thing is her energy. If we’re walking somewhere together, I would be breathing heavy and just can’t keep up with her,” he said, laughing.
