Marlene McPherson, Outlook Writer
Henry and maxine Ferguson during our recent interview. Mr. Ferguson died just over a week later.
'Will you love him, comfort him, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep only unto him, so long as you both shall live?'
"I will."
THE VOW was repeated by both Henry and Melvina Fergurson in 1944 in a small home wedding ceremony. It epitomised the lives they lived up to when Outlook visited their Dumfries residence in St. Thomas a few weeks ago to have them share with us, aspects of their lives and Henry's secret of longevity. They lived the vow they took. ' Til death do us part. Less than two weeks after our interview, Mr Ferguson died.
Back-up to that interview. Both are contented being together and have grown gracefully through the years. Melvina is 88 years old while Henry is a centenarian. What a blessing!
Melvina, the most articulate of the two said that awaiting the arrival of Outlook was a joy to her husband as he sat up in his wheelchair on the verandah. It was no problem for Melvina to reflect on their marriage because she has had a good one. She reported that she used to sell at a school but since her marriage she has not worked outside the home. She saw the need to stay at home to care for the six children whom the union has produced, while her husband went to work. She then gave a history of her husband's work life.
MUSICIAN
"He was a musician in a band in the parish of Portland where he played the bass fiddle then the mandolin. When he came to St. Thomas he did fishing, but this was for only two years, because of what happened to him one night while coming home. A big wave capsized the boat that they (fishermen) were in and the captain had to get help to rescue them. Although he was a swimmer, this was a frightening experience so he vowed not to return; he started to farm instead; this he did for the rest of his working life by leasing land to do mix farming."
According to Mrs. Fergurson her husband worked very hard. From his farming he took care of all the financial matters of the family. While talking to Outlook she would look at him lovingly and touch him affectionately.
This type of gesture allowed him to be a part of the evening's experience although he was not able to contribute substantially. She explained that he has lost most of his hearing so he is an ineffective communicator.
He later developed circulation problem in his feet.
How did love begin for the Fergursons? Only a simple answer was given.
"I love his stature of five feet nine inches and his looks. We met at a church sister's home, Emily Henriquette now deceased. After a year of courtship we had a house wedding."
The Fergursons are both Seventh-day Adventist, but Henry is very dedicated and Mrs. Fergurson proved this, tracing his migration to St. Thomas.
"Henry is from Berry Dale, which is out of Port Antonio in the parish of Portland. He was born April 5, 1905. He is the first of four sisters and one brother. Three have predeceased him. In 1936 he was baptised in Berry Dale Seventh-day Adventist church. When he came to St. Thomas he continued in the faith. Up to nine years ago we would go to church together but it became very difficult to prepare him and to transport him so I have stopped," she said.
EATING HABITS
We inquired about his eating habits. She pointed out that he still enjoys cooked rice, ground provisions, chicken and fish but does not eat beef. From her account, he enjoys good health except when he was hospitalised only once, which was 32 years ago at the Princess Margaret Hospital where prostate problems were corrected.
Mrs. Ferguson said that she has devoted her time to her husband who is of a quiet disposition and faithful man to her. She said that his longevity can also be attributed to his faithfulness to God and to her. One of their daughters, Mrs. Norma Jones has been living with them since he became confined to the wheelchair. She has been giving a helping hand with her father.
All the other children keep in touch with them and with some amount of glee Mrs. Fergurson told Outlook of the children's visit on New Year's Day and the nice time of celebration they all shared at the house. The Fergusons now have eight grand children and six great-grand
children. As the conversation
progressed Henry tried to inquire what was being said; Mrs. Jones pressed her mouth against his ears, and gave him a gist of what was said. He nodded then he clearly remarked, 'That's true,' to the delight of all around.
During the preparation of
this story Outlook learnt of his passing and wishes to convey its condolences to the family.
