By Mabinty M. Kamara
As the clock ticked towards her 100th birthday anniversary on 22 February 2021, Madam Boyenneh Beatia Freeman wished for two things as she awaits the call to the great beyond.
“I have two wishes” she told Politico, which she listed as “a Sierra Leone where there is love and empathy for each other, and to be a delegate in heaven. That’s all I desire”.
The centenarian said that life in the long days of Sierra Leone and the present-day reality, were different. She said there used to be love and respect for each other regardless of anything else, something she said could not be found today even among siblings, as “everybody has moved away from the teachings of God on love and oneness”.
Born in 1921, Mrs. Freeman started her career as a seamstress at the age of 16 years, until it was time for her to retire. She said she enjoyed her career especially when she would make dresses for funerals without asking for money.
She gave birth to four children – two boys and two girls – all grown up now with one of the males having gone before her to the great beyond at the age of 66. The youngest of her surviving three children is 60.
Mrs. Freeman said that as a widow, she continues to live her remaining life with her children.
The scene of Mrs Freeman being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives and neighbors in readiness for the feast of her celebration, was heartwarming. Eric Harding, one of her many grandsons said he had enjoyed every bit of moment spent with his grandmother, noting that she is loving, caring and prayerful.
“The values I have learnt from my years with grandma are many but notably her love for God and humanity. She is prayerful and she will always tell us not to rush things in life but to wait for God’s appointed time no matter how hard it gets, we must love God,” Eric told Politico.
Such is how strong and healthy the centenarian is that she goes to church by herself and returns at her 33 Edward Street residence unaided. She also tends to herself without having to rely on anyone.
Mrs Freeman calls on young Sierra Leoneans to be loving, respectful and patient with one another and not to be hard on oneself, noting that these are the missing virtues of the society.
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