Grandma turns babysitter at 77

Marlon Bethel is truly touched by the support his mother-in-law, Merle Mitchell- Gordon,  has given to his family in a time of crisis. Marlon lost his own mother ten years ago and says Merle has become a mother to him. He pays tribute to the lady he calls a “truly magnificent mother” Merle Mitchell-Gordon. “Mother’s Day for me became a sad and lonely day over the last ten years ago when I lost my own mother. Three years ago I got married and have my own family, with my wife’s mother becoming my own.  My wife Wendy Ann bore me a beautiful baby girl, Breanna, who is now one and one half years old.  She was premature at birth, weighed a mere 920 grammes and needed a lot of special care and attention.

My wife’s maternity leave was quickly coming to an end and we faced the dilemma of deciding whether to take Breanna to a babysitter or have someone come home to care for  her. My new mother stepped in and made the decision for us.  She volunteered to look after the baby, declaring that her grandchild needed special care. Mind you she was 77 then. We were happy about this, however, we were skeptical.   Was she able to the task? “She first proved herself when there were no clothes in the stores to fit our very small baby.  Mom single-handedly stitched and sewed all clothing for little Breanna.  Since then she has proved herself over and over again continuing to provide the best care and love that any child could want.

“This is truly magnificent; we were both amazed and could not have thanked her enough.  My daughter adores and loves her grandmother very much and  affectionately calls her “Mama.” “I want to let the rest of the nation and the world know that there are still people in the world today who do things not for their own self, not for fame or fortune or recognition, but just out of the goodness of their own heart.  To you Mom, we say a hearty thank you!  “I must mention also some of the doctors and nurses at the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital who were instrumental in preserving the fragile life of my child who was born in the height of the entero-bacteria  scare at the hospital.

The dedication and commitment of the staff shown there were heart warming.  You hear stories of nurses and other staff members not caring or showing concern for patients. The staff there cared for and nurtured our child as though she was their own for approximately two months. Special thanks to Dr Dellamore, Dr  Lackiram, Sr Rouse, Nurse Francis and all other members of staff.  Thank you and God’s continued blessings. You all are truly doing his work! “To you Mom, again I say a very hearty thank you.  May God continue to richly bless you. We love you.  Happy Mother’s Day! To all mothers in Trinidad and Tobago, Happy Mother’s Day.  You all are truly special people!”