Page 18 - Darnell Laverne Gardiner

TO: OUR NEICE
Anyone who knows us, knows that Bar [Stanley] had a very special place in our hearts and lives. Therefore, it should not be surprising that the same love we had for him, flowed down first, to our dear sister-in-law, Sange and naturally down to their children.
As it is said, “life happens!”, So, as it happened, Bar moved his family back home. Again, as it happened, some of their “tribe” were born at home [TCI]. Darnell was one of them. It must be true that “absence makes the heart grow fonder”, because although we had only occasional physical contact with our nieces and nephews we love them.
Darnell was one of them. Again, as it happened, Darnell’s battle with cancer brought her into contact with us who reside in the Bahamas. We got to know Darnell, sadly, under adverse circumstances. Be that as it may, we got to know her...to hug her...to laugh with her...to cry with her and to comfort her. She became “our” Darnell. So, it is not with a little sadness that we say farewell to day to one of Bar’s children.
Darnell, we will always remember you as we thank God that he allowed you into our lives
in a big way!
From
Aunties: Gail, Sula, Emerald, Sharon, Gerty and Ellen
Uncles: Sonny and Crosley
TO: MY NEICE
There was only ONE Darnell! She was my “go-to” for preparing what I nostalgically refer to as “home food”. When I last called Darnell to ask yet again how to cook a real good helping of cocoa lumps I didn’t reach her. I called Sange to tell her that I couldn’t reach my tutor only to be informed that she had been admitted to the hospital the previous day. I deleted the text message I had sent inquiring about “how to” and turned my attention to praying.
While Darnell was in hospital, I sent her a voice note encouraging her. I got no response until the Thursday before she died. The what’s app message follows as sent by Darnell: “Love you Aunty I just hailing everyone today.”
Farewell, dearest Darnell. I will always cherish the times you stayed with us when you came for your treatment. Your deceased Uncle El was almost puffed up with pride as he drove you from one appointment to the next.
Sleep on. Aunt Gert will always love you!