Emily’s Musings

I have been car-less since Saturday afternoon. I think I might go stir crazy if I don’t leave my house today. Being homebound for two days in a row is about my limit. While it’s nice to have the car sold, it’s VERY INCONVENIENT. However, David and I are happy to have all our affairs in order so we can leave this country in two weeks with no strings attached.

Two weeks? Did I just write that? Because that is SO SOON! I know many of you are just aching for us to have to spend another two weeks in the beautiful Caribbean.

I took my camera with me last week to shoot some pictures of locals we will miss.

This is Helen Peterson. She is 85 years old and so sweet.

She has a little shop where she makes Saba Lace (a must have for anyone who visits or lives here), and she sells other random household items like deodorant, shoes, ribbons, and fly swatters. Hannah loves to visit Helen because Helen lets her “rearrange” her store. Hannah usually finds a new home for the fly swatters which are at eye level.

Helen was born and raised on Saba and she started making Saba lace as a youth to provide income for her family. She literally walks up hill both ways to and from her shop twice a day, rain or shine. You can see her with her parasol, bags (with her lace projects) and cane making her way up and down the steep hills. This sweet lady also has diabetes and knee problems. Anytime I see her, I offer to give her a ride and she always says, “Well, if it’s not to much trouble.”

Not too much trouble? Even if I was running late for some other very pressing appointment, how could it be too much trouble to give this woman a ride? To spare her knees? To keep her out of the rain? I am really going to miss going to her shop to visit with her. I have enjoyed hearing about her life and Saba’s history during our chats. She loves to see Hannah and she made her a Saba Lace headband, which will fit her head in about eight years.