AT 103 YEARS OLD, Muriel Pilgrim remains thankful to God for her long life.
The centenarian’s birthday was last Thursday, December 29, but the party took place Sunday – New Year’s Day.
This time, she did not go to church as she did on her 100th birthday, but the church did come to her, with members of the Stream Gospel Hall visiting and having a service in her Syndicate Lane, St Lawrence, Christ Church home.
“God loves me and He knows I love Him. He has forgiven me my sins and I am happy in Jesus,” she said.
Pilgrim, whose vision has been severely impaired by cataracts and who is also a little hard of hearing, said she had her aches and pains, but acknowledged pain was something which came with life and she was contented. She also had a few words for the youth.
“All of us are born in sin and there is both a heaven and a hell, so which one they choose is up to them,” she said.
The day also included a gathering of family and friends who wanted to share in Pilgrim’s celebration. Daughter Ruth Walkes said it was a privilege.
“I feel great she could live to see this age. It’s a great privilege to know she is still in control of her mental faculties. She is a very loving mother and this is her blessing [to live so long],” she said.
Grandson Euan Pilgrim was also happy to see her reach another year, adding that she was the oldest person in the village.
In a joint statement, grandchildren Simone, Stacia and Stephanie Pilgrim said: “She is a contented, God-praising woman who taught us how to enjoy what we have and how to love more and be happy. Also, she used to make the best chips ever.”
Pilgrim has six children – one recently deceased, 11 grandchildren, six great-grands and a great-great- grand. (CA)