Reflecting on Daphne … Celia

When my Mom, Daphne Innerarity, married my father it became an immediate family of 6, as they had 4 children combined, and were shortly joined by myself and younger brother. Never did any of us feel that we were not all one.

My memories of my Mom are… active. She was always doing something or on the move. As such, as kids we had no choice but to be active ourselves. Mom’s passion is sport and she was an athlete (sprinter and netballer) turned Physical Education Teacher and Lecturer. She also taught dance (until she was 8 months pregnant with me) and was a Netball Coach par excellence.

I have so many memories of being at Netball Matches, watching Athletics at our national stadium, cricket at Sabina Park.  In addition there was the cultural aspect, being taken to every Pantomime (back in the day), National Dance Theatre recital and Play that was on. We were dragged until we became appreciative. Mom’s other passion was singing and she had a beautiful soprano that made her very popular on the wedding scene, as she serenaded many Couples with the song Ave Maria.

You never felt unwanted or uncomfortable around my Mom, as you’re getting a hug first thing! She has a warm spirit, an infectious laugh and ever the life of the gathering.  She can fit into any situation.

I appreciate her for the legacy of all these things. She has instilled in her children a love of people, which is expressed by the strength of friendships that my family has enjoyed over decades. I even became a hugger myself. I thank her for the love of sport and appreciation of the arts, especially music and dance. But most of all, I thank her for imparting the values by which we live.

My Mother embodies the Proverbs 31 woman. She was a wife of noble character, and has lived her life with purpose, integrity, honesty and love. Because of that her children call her blessed. She speaks wisdom, she prays for us, she sacrificed much for her family and continues to so. So today I honour her for all that her hands have done. She recently had her 80th birthday and unfortunately the celebrations had to be postponed. We give thanks that she is still here and going strong.

My prayer is that she will have health and strength all the days of her life and that she will know that she is loved.

By Celia Innerarity. Celia is a dietitian, working in private practice. She assists her clients, most of which have chronic conditions such as diabetes, with lifestyle management of their condition.

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