My Mama & Papa

Michael & Edith Brandt

When I was born my parents were very young, building their careers in the airline industry, and it was my fate to be brought up by my mother's parents, Michael and Edith Brandt ... my Mama and Papa.

Cradle of Love

I can't remember a time without Mama and Papa. They were always with me, attentive, gentle and protective, right by my side. Within our home, they created a cradle of love that was nurturing and supportive. In their eyes I saw empathy and encouragement. In their arms I felt safe and warm. And in their voices there was tender affirmation.

They Led By Example

Mama and Papa led by example. There were never raised voices, harsh words, orders or ultimatums in our house. And that delicate tone was extended to my upbringing. Gentle and motivating direction took the place of traditional punishment. Mistakes and transgressions were immediately forgiven, with an overabundance of patience, praise and warm embraces.

Side By Side

Mama's understated natural beauty and decidedly feminine demeanor complemented Papa's fiercely intuitive and protective disposition. They were equals in every aspect of life. My grandmother worked opposite Papa in the family business, which they built in their home in Suriname until they moved during turbulent times to rebuild their life in Trinidad. Head and head, side by side, Mama helped Papa grow the family business with a strong work ethic endures to this day.

Traditional Roles

At home they took on traditional roles. Mama brought warmth and sunshine to each day, as she lovingly took pride in cooking and home making. She made home feel bright, warm and festive, and always had time to go galavanting on an adventure somewhere. And when she brushed my hair, she did it with love and care, as if she were spinning straw into gold. And papa, he was quietly commanding and full of wisdom. He was an avid reader and a great storyteller. He loved old movies, and I loved sitting beside him to watch them.

Dance of Love

Home was always noisy, full of aunts, uncles and cousins, the local parish priest and long-time friends. You could find Mama titivating in the kitchen, from where there was always an aroma of home cooked food, enough to feed the entire family and friends who casually dropped by. Papa was usually on the front porch or living room, reading, ready to greet visitors, or advising on some matter or the other. And no matter what, in the evenings, they would always embrace each other and dance.

The Stronghold of Our Family

Their tender devotion to each other was the foundation and stronghold of our family. Papa was my guiding light. I looked up to him no matter how tall I grew. His love know no boundaries, distance or time. That love still upholds me, and will never die. And Mama. She is was my role model before I could walk or talk. Her dedication to her family and God is boundless, her beauty is timeless, her hands are healing, and her love never ever grows old.

Legacy of Love

Mama and Papa were the protectors of my heart, my trusted confidantes, and my greatest blessing. My identity rests firmly on the fact that I am the granddaughter of Michael and Edith Brandt. And within me I carry their cherished legacy of unconditional and proactive love, to share with the world