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She emphatically said, “God would make me see 100 years,” and on September 1, He delivered.
In her honour, the birthday of 90-year-long US-based Margaret Monica Giddings-Esdelle, called Mammy Esdelle by children, and Margaret generally, was elaborately marked on September 5 from 5–11 pm at the All-White Celebration at Signature Hall in Chaguanas, Trinidad.
The start time passed, the centenarian’s seat remained vacant and concerns grew. Prelude music by her cousin Chantal Esdelle and her band Moyen filled the atmosphere.
Then, 165 minutes later, the most anticipated announcement rang out: “Margaret is here.”
Akin to batsmen who make a century (100 runs), becoming a batting boss and automatically creating immense psychological, tactical and match-defining power, Margaret was the boss, and her delay created a psychological, tactical and powerful opportunity for her generations of family members to engage in what was termed “much-needed mingling, reacquainting, enjoying each other.”
Moyen struck up Woman Is Boss. A standing ovation and lusty applause, kicked off by Margaret’s nephew Kenrick Elie, welcomed Margaret, decked out in a lemon dress, fancy hairdo, manicured nails and diamante earrings. Ensuring Margaret’s beautification was fulfilled was Tisha Thomas.
Enveloped and greeted by guests, she was relayed-ushered by her granddaughter Chantale Esdelle-Levy and great-granddaughter, Chantale’s daughter Taylor, friend-daughters Dolari and Shona, and lifelong friend Jean Brathwaite. An upright, smiling Margaret chipped along, occasionally singing Woman Is Boss.
Joining her at the head table were Brathwaite; a sister, Maureen Giddings-Estwick; one of her god-daughters and husband, Lyris Esdelle and Enoch Nunez; and good friend Brenda Baksh, while Taylor eventually joined but sat in awe, admiring her.
“This is so amazing,” Taylor told Guardian Media (GM). “I can’t believe it.”
Also overwhelmed were great-niece Nurah and great-nephews Daniyal and Nabil Koney-Laryea.
Margaret savoured the hugs, kisses, photos, selfies and videos; fond memories shared by Louann Haynes-Sandiford, whose mother, Margaret Haynes and Margaret were “the inseparable sewing Margarets and friends”; the serenade May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You by great friend Elsa Khan, supported by Yasmin Khan-Lee Wen; greetings/blessings by Chantal Esdelle on behalf of her family and her band; sticking of the cake with first daughter and lead coordinator/director of the occasion, Maxine Esdelle; and the toast.
Poised and controlled with knife and fork, Margaret enjoyed the dinner, which was supplied by Flawed Cuisine, directed by Christopher Saunders, and choices of beverages supplied by The Cocktail Collective, directed by Danilla Brown.
Margaret told GM, “I’m feeling comfortable, happy and special. I Thank God.”
