Vaple Martha Burt, whose earthly departure on December 6, 2012, touched so many lives, has left behind a rich legacy; one which her family, loved ones and country should be forever proud of.
She was a rock in her community of Cayon and its environs and she served our independent federation with distinction. Despite the“life snatcher” called death, Vaple Burt made her mark while she was here!
Some called her Vaple, others called her teacher Ms. Burt, Anti, Ms. B, or even Goddie. No matter what she was called, everyone who knew her proclaimed without reservation that she was a tower of strength with a towering personality. Vaple would be cowed by "no one" and if this image was in any way just an outward shell to somehow suppress the internal war of fear, uncertainty or confusion, Vaple was the epitome of confidence. She was regal in her performance on the world stage.
I called her Goddie Burt.
In my eyes, she was an exceptional woman whose life was a bastion for all from which to draw strength. She was one to summon you out of any glum state in which you would happen to find yourself. She was here to uplift and to challenge. Challenge us to be our best; not mediocre not average, but our very best.
Vaple was cut from a different cloth. She had a backbone of steel and a heart of gold. She had a no nonsense disposition about life, yet a great love for the wonder and excitement that life offered her. She was an esteemed mentor to many and a distinguished leader in many of the initiatives she undertook.
How do you replace a human being who stood behind you from the day you were born until the very day she took her last breath? How do you replace the stern advisor who offered academic, spiritual, and personal advice? How do you move pass the physical loss?
The truth is we can never replace a woman like Vaple. She was a rare find. We are left now to celebrate her life and accept that despite the sorrow over her demise, we were fortunate to have known this woman, this one sister, this one aunt, this community giant, powerful church leader, renowned educator and confident woman who forever changed our lives.
She was a brilliant educator. Vaple taught inside and outside of the classroom and impacted many lives doing so. The field of education in our federation has benefited immensely because of her work in education.
She was the Girl Guides Commissioner who touched the lives of many of our federation's young girls through the world of guiding. The girl guiding community in the federation was certainly made richer because of her contributions to guiding.
Vaple, the Christian woman who loved God unconditionally, played an active and extremely vocal role in St. Mary's Anglican Church. She has left an indelible mark on our Anglican Church community not only in Cayon at St. Mary's, but also at Christ Church and throughout the island.
Vaple, the butcher, whose yard was abuzz with flies and people on Saturdays, continued her parents' family business selling meat, goat water, pudding and other such treats. Her customers thoroughly enjoyed the Saturday delicacies week after week. There will definitely be a void in Central Cayon without Vaple’s presence on Saturdays.
Vaple, the aunt, the educator, the community activist, the butcher, the confidante, the Godmother and God-fearing woman who brought optimism, tranquility and earthly bliss to so many individuals was a rose to the very end. She demonstrated an immovable confidence in He who giveth life and He who taketh life away.
On Saturday, February 2, 2013, family and friends will reflect on the anniversary of Vaple's birth. She treasured each and every birthday when she was alive. In fact, on February 2, you would be sure to find her "royally" seated at home enjoying flowers and birthday greetings showered on her from near and far. She appreciated life and celebrated her birthday as the regal woman that she was.
This year’s birthday will be “bitter sweet”. Bitter because she is no longer here to celebrate with her loved ones but oh so sweet because she left such solid and precious memories, which we will hold on to steadfastly.
Vaple Martha Burt was here among us, inspiring us, and challenging us beyond our limits. She offered an abundance of lessons during her earthly sojourn. For that and so much more, we are humbled and pleased to have had her in our lives. Vaple’s legacy will remain unshaken, unblemished, and forever treasured.
We will miss this gem of a woman, but we will hold fast to the many memories of her.
We will laugh, we will cry, we will smile, we will sigh, but we will NEVER EVER forget her!
.jpg)