DEAR READERS: My mother will be 98 years old on May 13, so we've always celebrated her birthday and Mother's day together. Sometimes they fell on the same day.

Anyway, this is just to share some of her words of wisdom that she shared with us.

– When I asked her why she made sure we went to school to learn to read. Her response was that just in case we wanted to go to Sangre Grande no one would put us on a bus going to San Fernando.

– About education, again she would say, “It's always better to say, ‘here it is’, rather than ‘where is it?’”(the “it” being one’s certificates).

– When we did not always understand why she said or did something, she would tell us the story about the little pig who asked his mother why her nose was so long. The mother pig would answer, "Bambi go see am", which translates, "Later you will see.”

– If you came home late she would ask if you were Nicodemus. If you don't know who Nicodemus is read the Bible story about Nicodemus who came to Jesus in the night (Jn 3).

– If you work for 25 cents always save five cents because when something happens people would say you had been working all your life and now you have no money. Don't let this happen.

She also told us that even if you are upset with something your brother/sister had done, regardless of how the “corn share”, he/she is your brother/sister.

Also if your brother/sister is sick, make sure and carry a clean sheet in case they don't have one and make sure the place is clean before you call anyone.

– If you don't have salt cook without it because your neighbour must never know to throw it back in your face.

– When you have girl children never bad talk someone's else's child.

– Never envy someone what they may have because you don't know how they got it; they might have pulled the devil's tail.

– When things go somewhat wrong don't worry because God is love.

There are many more pearls of wisdom we got from a woman who never finished primary school, but whom God blessed with His own wisdom. We did not always understand her sometimes cryptic words, but now we her children understand and pass them on.

So mother, I know you will not be able to read this yourself but I trust that one of us can do it for you. I cannot be there to give you a kiss so I'm sending you one like the young people do "Muah" a big one.

Thanks for all you've given to us over the years and may God continue to bless and keep you. Love you.
Lynette Rodriguez    via email

DEAR EDITOR: It is amazing how the obvious is often hidden from those who are not ready to see it. No doubt what I am about to say is well known to many of your readers, yet because it brought so much joy to me when I heard it, I wish to share it with you for the sake of the few who might not have.

We all know the dogmas about our Blessed Mother's constant and immaculate state of grace. But the necessity of having a pure mother for our salvation might not be universally known or taught. Perhaps that is why so many other Christian denominations do not believe in her Immaculate Conception.

It starts with God. He is so respectful of our free will that He would never force himself on us individually or as community. He makes himself known, He tells us that He is there waiting, but we have to let Him in.

He knows the difference between a wholehearted invitation and one which is not. He could tell beforehand which host would not waiver and rethink or regret her original invitation to Him. His host had to be immaculately open to him all her life.

The sensitivity of God, His respect for our human will is so great that he would only accept a pure invitation from one who was never to waiver in her "yes" for as long as she lived.

Through her immaculate openness to God we all gain the salvation of our souls. Isn't she still open to God? Does not His grace still not flow to us through her constant “Yes”?

Lawrence Fortuné, El Dorado

DEAR EDITOR: The community of Coalmine shared the most wonderful experience last Saturday, May 3, when neither priest nor lay minister was available, this information being made known at the very last minute.

As the choir softly began inviting the presence of Holy Spirit, one of our stalwarts, Joycelyn Morales and her granddaughter Natalie explained the mix-up, and guided by the Holy Spirit, proceeded to take matters in hand.

A rather nervous Ms Joycelyn led the order of the service, ably supported and assisted by Natalie, the choir and the readers. The congregation followed on as if our parish priest was on the altar, such was the pious reception and respect given.

The homily Natalie shared with us was indeed inspiring - short, sweet, apt, and non-repetitious nor monotonous. She could have easily outshone any seasoned lay-minister.

It just goes to show what vast spiritual and religious resources we have in our own communities and especially among our young people if only we would give them the chance, and make such opportunities available to them. We need to give them the challenge.

I would really like to say a sincere thank you to them on behalf of the Coalmine Community who attended the service. This was truly a glorious manifestation of the Power of the Holy Spirit working in us, just as Jesus promised.

Eva David-Peterson Swain, Coalmine