Michael Sloley
Zeita Jackson is all smiles as she speaks about her life. Shernette Robinson, Co-ordinator, Features Desk
ZEITA JACKSON received her Mother's Day gift four years ago on her 60th birthday when her 11 children threw her a surprise birthday party. On the wall in the television room hangs momentos of that beautiful day, in pride of place is the prized picture of the 11 children and their mom. The diamond watch she received on that day pales in comparison to the pleasure in her eyes when she recalls that day, her children and her life.
The Clarendonian-turned-Kingstonian enjoys the simple pleasures of life. Helpful, gracious, she welcomed the Outlook team with open arms, pointing to the treasured pictures of her children and six grandchildren on the wall.
A devout Christian since age 14, Mrs. Jackson went to school in Brandon Hill, Clarendon, and started her marriage in the district of her birth. She speaks with lighted eyes as she recalls the three-week whirlwind courtship and her subsequent marriage.
"I met my husband, Caleb, on my way to church while he was working with the Ministry of Education as a building contractor. His first words to me were, 'I want to see you when yuh get back from church.' His next words, 'I want to marry you'."
The rest is a rich life which produced 11 children Lloyd, Caleb Jr., Norman, Jacqueline, Maxine, Caroline, Venice, Celia, Loretta, Garfield and Camille. This soft-spoken woman, who exudes happiness, speaks with fond memories of her marriage, her children, her hardships during the lean years, the death of her husband and her life as it is today.
She remembers the days when "things were rough". She had to work, sometimes on her knees, to pull things through. She remembers when four of the children were in high school at the same time and it was very difficult; a time when there was not enough of anything clothes, lunch money, bus fares but she remained determined to keep the children in school. Mrs. Jackson remains grateful to the teachers who assisted the children and never fails to express it. "They were our friends," she said.
Today, Miss Zeita, or Zetes, and her children enjoy a close relationship. The last son, Garfield, a student at the University of Technology, handed her roses: "A rose for a rose", he declared.
Even shy Norman got caught in the bantering and teasing. Miss Zeita says her happiest moment is when all her children are in bed with her on a lazy morning, each vying for her attention. Of course, breakfast is not before noon. Of her children Miss Zeita says, "...they are my friends, they are my best friends."
Zeita Jackson's wish list for this Mother's Day does not include candies, flowers or dinner at a five-star hotel. Instead she hopes that, "...they (her children) all stay close to the Lord. Take the Lord as their right hand and stick to Him."
