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Love, Loss and Lena
Guyanese member Lena Edmonson explains how her own loss gave her the empathy to help others.
18 Feb 2020
Making a difference has been my aim since Sunday school. My spiritual journey started back then. Born into a Christian family, I was encouraged by my parents and grandparents to listen to the Bible stories and sing the songs. To this day, my favourite hymn is ‘I, the Lord of sea and sky’. As I grew older, I became more involved in church activities. I enjoyed serving in the youth group and assisting the elderly. I loved to be a servant of God’s people.
I believe God has prepared me for this work. I trained as a lay minister in the Diocese of Guyana during 1998. I served in that role for 18 years. I always strive to think positively. I believe God has given me unique gifts and talents. I am blessed to have good spiritual role models in my life. God has given me a good, spiritual husband for 43 years now. Leslie is the strongest support in my work. He is a vicar here in Georgetown, and I support him in looking after four churches. We set out at 5.30am each Sunday to serve our people in various locations.
Our only daughter died at six months old. Rhonda Roberta had surgery for an umbilical hernia. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful. We were devastated. We had to grieve, but we had to grieve with limits. We had others to take care of, too. But we were young people and had lots of support from family, friends and our church.
That bereavement enables me to empathise with people in need. Through the loss of our little girl, I was given a window into the suffering of others. In my parenting training, I am able to impart those experiences, which gives other mothers some solace and comfort that all is not lost.
At the time of our loss, friends and family would say: ‘This is her moment to go back to the Heavenly Father, but God is going to send more than one for you.’ Here I am, 38 years later, with two sons – and four adorable granddaughters! My eldest granddaughter, Navaeh, who’s 11, said: ‘Grandma, you are my rock.’ They are following the work I do for Mothers’ Union – future members!
Life changed again in 1982. That’s when I became involved with Mothers’ Union. One Sunday morning in church, the parish priest and Mothers’ Union branch leader were campaigning for new and younger members to join the organisation. As a young working mother, I decided I would participate in their work whenever I could.
It was in 2005 that the now Worldwide President Sheran Harper encouraged me to officially become involved with this noble organisation – through the Mothers’ Union Worldwide Parenting Programme. I was then officially admitted as a member and took on various jobs at diocesan level.
Now I encourage parents across the West Indies and Americas. As regional parenting trainer, I have equipped nearly 100 parenting trainers and facilitators – nationally and internationally. I have facilitated several parenting groups with parents and carers locally. As a result, more than 1,500 people have benefitted from the programme. Evidence is seen in the transformation of family life in communities where parents and children – and other household members – are working alongside each other.
We have created a safe space for children. In the indigenous community, parents were working all hours on their farms, leaving their children vulnerable at home. So we have set up a Kiddies’ Park. In this special place, youngsters can socialise, do homework and learn how to take care of their environment. Mothers’ Union members are trained to look after them.
I am also coordinator for the Church and Community Mobilisation Process and the MULOA enabler/coordinator in my diocese. I am pleased that Mothers’ Union members are embracing this new initiative, which will encourage them to involve marginalised, stigmatised and lonely individuals.
This exciting work takes me to many countries. Among my most memorable destinations has been Nairobi, Kenya. In 2007 I attended the first Mothers’ Union parenting evaluation and had the privilege of visiting a small village called Kitui. There was a severe drought there and the trees and plants were all dried up. There was no rain for many years so water was limited. Yet the people were very contented and happy to welcome us as their guests.
Parents everywhere want to know, what is the key to success? As we are raising adults for society, the key to success as a parent is to show unconditional love. We must understand that we are all created in the image of God. We must listen to our children. Communities grow closer and stronger when they come together and share their knowledge and skills with one another to solve their problems.