A mother like no other
published: Sunday | May 11, 2003

- Mary McPherson photo
Olga Shrouder with three of the 22 children she cared for. They are, from left, Lisa Passley-Unick, Arlene Reid, and Carolyn Morris-Marrott

Marlene McPherson, Gleaner Writer

OLGA ISABEL Shrouder has made a significant difference in the lives of 22 children. Although she was a biological parent of only three, she mothered all 22.

Adopting the blueprint of care set by her own parents, she brought 19 other children into her home in St. Thomas.

"My mother reared four other children as I was her only child, and seeing the difference that it made in those children's lives, I decided that I must do the same," she told The Sunday Gleaner. "When I became older I was more aware of the difficulties parents were having. Parents actually came to me or through a third party and asked me to mother their children. Of course, I had no problems and loving kids, on the other hand, made it impossible to resist."

HOUSE FULL OF KIDS

And so her household was never without children. Not all 22 were there at the same time though. The most occupying the home at any one time was about five. They came from different backgrounds with different values and the children were allowed to keep their individual identities. One thing was sure though, she nurtured them in the fear of God.

Asked about her most frightening experience as a mother to these children, she said, "My daughter (biological) died of pneumonia within one day. I was wounded and heartbroken. I wept bitterly. The following morning my hair became grey."

However, amidst the routine of daily living they had lots of fun. She stated, "One such memorable experience took place when we were on our family picnic trip to the north coast. We discovered we left the plates. The dish covers and foil were used as makeshift plates. My husband said 'give me the biggest dish cover'."

All her resources were used to attend to the needs of the children.

LONG HISTORY OF CARING

Mrs. Shrouder started caring for other people's children in 1944 as a young, unmarried teacher. Elizabeth McKenzie and Melvina Donegan, 12-year-olds, were the first to be taken into her household. Then came Sylvester Stewart, Monica Richardson, Florizel McKenzie and Cislyn Williams.

When Olga and Lincoln Shrouder were married, three of Mr. Shrouder's children ­ Errol, Veronica and Alvin ­ became a part of the household. Mrs. Shrouder gave birth to Jacinth and Jennifer now deceased and Joan.

The Shrouders worked as teammates in parenting the children. After 29 years of togetherness, Mr. Shrouder passed on, but her deeds of kindness continued. Hopie Wilson, Lisa Passley-Unick, Safron Douglas, Marion Pottinger, Donovan Williams, Arlene Reid, her grandchildren Keisha and Ayani, Carolyn Morris-Marriott and Sasha-Kaye Lodge became part of the brood.

SUCCESS STORIES

Emphasis was placed on education and the fruit borne were professions in teaching, nursing, catering, art, computer studies and guidance counselling. About 16 of these adult children reside overseas. All have found their niche in society.

Lisa Passley-Unick considers herself blessed to have two mothers. She spoke of Mrs. Shrouder as being "very loving, supportive and encouraging."

Arlene Reid commented, "Teach has helped me to feel good about myself, she helped me to become aware of my strengths. Through frequent repetition, I began believing it and because of that I am where I am now. The mere fact that she opened her doors it is like a window of opportunity."

She also describes Mrs. Shrouder as a mother "having a firm hand but a loving heart".

At 77, Mrs. Shrouder is a grandmother to 19 children and enjoys their visits and calls.

Her devotion to her children epitomises Solomon's words: "Her children arise and call her blessed", and "Many daughters have done virtuously but you have excelled them all." Proverbs. 31 vs 29-30.

MAMA SHROUDER'S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS