By Steven Vickerie
Mothers are irreplaceable figures in our lives, especially to sons. They show us love and affection. They instill the values we carry through life, making us shining examples of our respective upbringing. But grandmothers are of, and I dare say, a higher esteem. They are the real MVPs. They spoil us and they always represent us to our parents, as if they were saints when they were younger as parents. We often hold grandmothers close, because they not only have great stories about the past, but they are the key sometimes to understanding who we really are.
For Mother’s Day, instead of highlighting my incredible mother, I’ve decided to shed light on a woman who has impacted not only my life, but the lives of literally hundreds of students she taught over the years. Shirley Emelda Thomas, or as I often refer to as “Granny” is an indigenous woman with quite a story to tell. Born in Mahdia, Shirley comes from a long line of influential people who have all made significant contributions to the community of Campbelltown, Mahdia, Region 8.
At age 75, Granny is the eldest of 13 children. When I say that our family is basically royalty in Campbelltown because of her, I mean it. The Thomas family is one of the most respected in Mahdia. My late Great-Grandfather, Granny’s dad, was the first Touchao of Campbelltown. Granny’s late sister, Louisa Thomas, remembered as “Lamp Lady” delivered hundreds of baby’s during her time as a nurse, with just a Kerosene lamp. There are many others who have made significant contributions to the performing arts, culinary, and even teaching. But Granny is considered one of the pillars of education in the district.
I WANTED TO BE A SECRETARY
Granny explained that when she was younger, she aspired to be a Secretary. She was enthralled by secretarial work. While that profession may now be considered entry level, in the 60s, it required not only great bookkeeping skills, but also focus and a certain level of maturity. The technology we have now was not available back then, especially in a rural area such as Mahdia. But while she aspired to sit in an office, the opportunity to become a teacher presented itself. At just 16, Granny entered the teaching profession.
“Back then we had smaller classrooms so we were able to work efficiently with students. Of course, while learning to teach, I also had to learn about making lesson plans and other administration things. Teaching became something I eventually grew to love, especially teaching at the primary level. Looking back now (that I am) retired, I don’t regret becoming a teacher. It was not just about the job, but it was the children you would help along the way,” Granny said.
While having to pursue a profession at such a young age, Granny said it was important for her to contribute meaningfully to her community. In many conversations, she often referred to teaching as being a responsibility, rather than a job. She noted that while she faced the challenge of working for a meager salary, and the lack of resources to buy materials to make teaching aides, the responsibility sometimes outweighed even her own needs.
Granny would later have my mother and uncle before she moved to Georgetown. While in Georgetown, she pursued her Degree in Education and became one of the most sought after Phonics and Reading Teachers at that time. Thereafter, she married and had two additional children; my uncles. Granny also spent most of her life living in Georgetown, even though she visits home several times in the past and of recent with the death of her father.
THE “MISS FRIZZLE” OF OUR FAMILY
As Miss Frizzle is to Science, Granny is to English. Myself and her other grandchildren, and even the great grands, owe this woman a debt of gratitude. Despite our different upbringings, she’s always managed to play an important role in our lives. We were all given the important fundamentals of reading.
Her methods were effective, even for us as grandchildren. Myself, sisters and even cousins, were taught how to read by Granny’s hands before we could even walk. I remember every visit, she would come with these flashcards, some were words, while others possessed letters in which we had to recite. For her, no matter what we’d become, reading was fundamental. This was key for me, even as a News Anchor.
She is also very adamant about us pursuing higher education. Granny always encourages not only us, but even her own students to pursue higher levels of learning. Granny has taught hundred of students from the Nursery to the Primary level. She explained that encouraging a child to pursue higher learning gives them not only ambition, but also a clear path to success.
“I always believe that you learn certain lessons in life, but when you achieve higher learning, you become a better person. It’s not just about learning, it’s about your own development and your success. People frown upon it now a lot but there are advantages to pursuing higher learning. It doesn’t even have to be UG, you can learn new skills. These things help with your overall development,” Granny said.
An important lesson she taught me growing up was to never settle with being comfortable. I’ve carried this with me throughout my life and applied it to not only my career or educational pursuits, but also in my personal life. I’ve seen this woman achieve a plethora of things, with being responsible and mature. Another important lesson I’m still yet to learn is eating right and staying healthy. At 75, granny can still walk about six blocks without being breathless. She also sticks to a strict diet. While longevity runs deep in our family, Granny is doing her part to stay not only active, but alive for as long as possible.
TEACHERS ARE EDUCATORS AND PARENTS
With recent reports of violence in schools against teachers and students, Granby believes that there is a breakdown of moral training in the homes. While she is glad to be retired, she also believes that the role of a teacher goes beyond that of an educator. She posits that teachers can “pick up the slack” where parents are failing in these times.
“Back in the days, before a child leaves home, parents would say listen to your teacher. When they came in for meetings, we were given permission to discipline them. Parents back then understood that it takes a community to raise a child. It’s different now, because you can’t touch them because they’re parents are not even disciplining them at home.”
She continued, “That does not mean you as a teacher can’t teach them morals. You can’t beat them, yes, but you can teach them respect and manners. I remember there was this boy that I taught who used to go in other students’ bags and steal their lunches.
“I realized what was happening and instead of reporting him to the Principal, I sat down and spoke to him. Eventually he changed. I saw that young man years later and he told me that he was grateful for the lesson I taught him. You can’t save all but if you can impact at least one, then you’re doing your job.”
She noted too that despite times having changed, teachers must remember the role they play in the lives of students. Even as she is retired, Granny still finds time to sit and talk with us, her grandchildren, about what’s going on in our lives. See, something my mother always says is that you never stop being a parent. I’ve learned from her and mom that your role as a parent never stops, even though we become adults.
In conclusion, I want to say that every mother is important. I am grateful that I have a phenomenal Granny who raised an extraordinary woman who I call my mother.
This Mother’s Day, don’t just buy them gifts, cook or even entertain them. If you have to, apologize, for all the headache you caused them during the years. Also, every year, I implore people to also say a prayer or even remember those who don’t have their moms this and every Mother’s Day. I know we can’t fathom losing those leading ladies in our lives, as such, let’s do what we can to make sure they know that they’re loved and appreciated. Happy Mother’s Day everyone!
