They’ve lived, they’ve loved, they’ve lost, and they’ve learned.
The older generation of Saint Lucia carries stories with them that echo both wisdom and regret, moulded by a different time but still deeply relevant today.
In a conversation in Castries, two older Saint Lucians opened up about the things they wished they knew sooner and what they would tell their younger selves if given the chance.
Kerywn Gustave, 50; Francillia Clery, 70; and Patrick Duplesis, 84, spoke about their experiences with St. Lucia Times’ Keira St. Rose.
KSR: Kerwyn, when you look back, what’s one thing you wish you had known sooner in life?
KG: I wish I knew how important it was to build yourself first. I would tell my younger self to travel the world, focus on my career, and make something of myself before getting married and having kids. I got married at 20, had two children very early, and before I knew it, life became all about them. I don’t regret my children, but I do regret not giving myself a chance to grow first.
KSR: What prompted you to get married so young?
KG: Because I went to a Catholic school, I lived by the books — I lived by the Bible, so I did what was taught to me. When I had a boyfriend, before I started having sex I needed to get married — and that I did.
KSR: Patrick, you’re 84 now. When you look back on your younger years, what lesson stands out to you the most?
PD: I wish I was a better father to my children. You know, back in the day we did not know any better. I used to beat my children terribly, curse them, thinking it was discipline — but that’s not the way. I was not a good provider already, I should have been more caring towards them. But now that they grow up, they have grudge in their heart against me, and I’m sorry, but I cannot take it back. That’s something that will always hurt me.
KSR: Ms Clery, now that you are in your seventies, what advice would you give to young women today?
FC: I would tell them to slow down. If I knew, I would not rush into life. Man, dating, and sex will always be there. I went and experiment too early, and it’s like I got addicted to it. I spread myself everywhere, and it didn’t just spoil my name, it followed my children, my girls, you know? That’s one thing I would go back and change. Every time I close my eyes to sleep, I say that to myself.
Listening to their stories, each marked by time and truth, one can’t help but feel the weight. While young people may sometimes think they have all the time in the world, listening to experienced voices can remind how quickly time moves and how the effects of choices made in youth can last a lifetime.
