Latoya Grindley (left), features writer at The Gleaner, presents Edna Panton with a donation made by readers. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

A week before Christmas, 75-year-old Edna Panton had declared that it would have been her worst Christmas ever since she would have to experience it without her home and belongings. She lost everything she owned in a fire on September 6 last year. However, after her plight got highlighted in The Gleaner, Miss Edna is now looking forward to getting her life back on track. In fact, she says the New Year has started off on a positive note with the help of some good Samaritans.

Spotted while heading to her vending spot in Middle Quarters, she was seen with her usual basin filled with shrimp. Not remembering the names of the persons who interviewed her the last time, she said, "I remember uno face enuh, I caan forget uno, thanks fi everything."

Miss Edna proceeded to thank the many people who have contributed money, other items and even their kind words. The story got the attention of many people across the island and the world. One of the contributors living in the United States said he was moved to help Miss Edna and not only did it touch him, but it also inspired his niece, who is five years old, to help her. He said after reading the story it opened her eyes to the realities that there are many people living less fortunate lives, while she is living comfortably.

grateful for support

Miss Edna says she is grateful for the tremendous support and "thank dem and the good Lord will put dem heart at ease. I am really grateful for the help because I don't know what I would do without the help that I getting. May the good Lord keep uno and make uno merciful people and continue to be peaceful people. Thank you, thank you".

Miss Edna said since the story was published, in addition to the contributions taken to her by the features team, other people have stopped by Middle Quarters, St. Elizabeth, to give her items or to say kind words, which she says she appreciates. She is preparing to use the donations to buy materials to start the rebuilding of her home, starting with just one room for her to live comfortably, in the meantime. Standing at the place where her house used to be with just the concrete structure serving as signs, Miss Edna was obviously struck with a barrage of emotions, but later whispered "thank you Jesus, it will be okay".

Thanks to all the contributors and well-wishers here and abroad for the support they have given and the hope that Miss Edna has got due to their help. There was a visible contrast between how she looked last December and now as the tears and the sad face were replaced with a wide grin and optimism.

- L.G.