I married my grandmother’s son

Dear Pastor,

I read your column very often. I am a poor girl who was rescued by a lady and her husband.

My mother left me with my grandmother and she tried her best, but she was sickly. She had this friend who used to visit her, and one day the friend questioned her about me. My grandmother asked her if she wanted me and the woman said yes. That very evening, my grandmother packed a little bag for me and the lady told her not to worry, she would carry me back to visit her often.

When I realised I was leaving my grandmother, I started to cry and hid myself behind a tree, because I did not want to leave her. They found me and my grandmother started to cry and told me it was for my benefit. The lady was a schoolteacher who did not have children. I couldn't even read. When she took me to her house, she put me in the shower, scrubbed me down, and told me that I didn't have to be ashamed. She then showed me my room.

That Saturday morning, she told me that we were going to town so I should get dressed. She bought me two dresses for church. I did not have good shoes, so she bought me a pair. She washed and oiled my hair and combed it. That Sunday morning, I went with her to church. She told everyone that I was her niece. She taught me to read. The first Monday morning when I went to school, the other students laughed at me when they heard the way I talked. When I got home, I told the lady that I did not want to go back to that school because I was embarrassed. So I went back to school with her and after a few months, I was able to read well.

When I visited my grandmother, she was so excited. I had put on weight. She hugged and kissed me. Then I ran into a little problem because my grandmother had two sons; one was living in America and the other with her. The one who was living with her never paid me any mind. But when her other son came home and saw me, he fell in love with me. My grandmother told him to take his eyes off me and if he didn't, she wouldn't allow me to come back to the house until he leaves. He also told the lady who I was living with that he likes me. She told him that we are cousins, so he should take his eyes off me. This guy gave me his number and told me to call him. I was 16, so I called him and he told me that when I am 18, he is going to take me away from everybody. He also told me that he loved me, but I shouldn't let anybody know.

I did not do very well in my subjects, but the lady sent me to HEART and I did housekeeping. I got a job in a hotel, and I was helping my grandmother. This guy kept telling me that he wanted to visit me in Jamaica. I finally told the lady what he said and she asked me if I loved him; I told her yes. When he visited, the lady spoke to him. She told me that she is convinced that he is for real, and we are not blood related, so I should marry him. My grandmother was very upset, but she said she would not stand in my way.

We got married and now we have one child. I am very happy, and this lady that I call aunt has visited us twice in America. My husband does electrical work and I am still doing housekeeping. Whenever we are coming to Jamaica, we would like to meet you. You help to keep us in touch with what is going on in Jamaica.

E.C.

Dear E.C.,

I am glad that you have done well. Although I do not fully understand how your grandmother's son and you are not related, perhaps you have not fully explained everything.

But the woman who told you to call her aunt convinced you that this man and you are not related by blood. She ought to know what she was saying. Both of you are happily married, and this woman has helped you immensely. She took you to church and school. She did what she could for you. Now you should try your very best to assist your grandmother financially. I will be very happy to meet with your husband and you whenever you visit Jamaica. Take care of your baby and your husband.

Pastor