Contributed
This photo of the family, taken at the surprise 60th birthday party, has pride of place on the 'family wall'.CAMILLE Jackson's voice rings out with glee and unabashed pleasure as she recalls a childhood of bliss. In the true tradition of the last child, this 23-year-old got away with murder, while growing up.
Born in a family of 11 children, Camille recalls the responsibility of her eldest sister, Jacqueline. 'Jackie' became second mother as early as eight years old. She learned to cook, wash, comb hair and reprimand her siblings as needed.
Camille remembers her childhood as fun, even with a strict father who, every New Year's Day, 'lined-up' his children, in chronological order and whipped into them a warning for good behaviour throughout the new year. It was her mother, Zeita Jackson, who dried the tears and provided the comfort.
Childhood disputes were settled by the middle child, Caroline, who was able to split the differences, give advice and reprimand if necessary. Of course, with the children divided, each side felt she was biased.
Camille feels the disadvantage of such a large family is that by the time the third child arrives, the feeling of being special disappears and "you become just another child."
The 23-year-old 'baby' is adamant that she would not trade places with any of her brothers and sisters as she rarely received beatings, even at New Year's. Yes, she was pampered, but sometimes she was forgotten.
"Maybe I would want to be the middle child, but definitely not the first," she said.
