Celebrating St. Martin Moms: Solange Duncan-Trona

5/17/2015

As told by Ludmila York-Duncan

Solange Duncan-Trona aka Mama can be described in one word, selfless. There isn’t another human being that I know who puts the needs of others before themselves like my mother. Her family and friends are important to her and she would do anything for them.

When she was angry, she speak… Papiamento! For her birthday, with help from her closest friends, we flew her to St. Thomas on a surprise vacation, where my sister and I were attending UVI. This made her so happy.

I admire her generosity, extreme likeability and sense of humour! She gives without expecting anything in return, is loved by everyone who knows her and enjoys making others laugh and laughing! I would like to think that I’m pretty funny and I enjoy making others smile. I also try to match her selflessness as much as I possibly can.

She has educated, uplifted and mentored thousands of students over her 30 years in education on St. Martin. In her early days she was a member of a number of community service organizations. Her work as a teacher allowed me to see her as a strong independent woman, who was also a pretty good leader. She helped, in addition to my father, to provide for the family. She taught us to enjoy the work we do and be good at it.

Right now besides God, she gets a lot of motivation and inspiration from her favourite preacher and author Joel Osteen. She strives daily to live a better life and become a better person. My mother taught me that daily prayer is important and not only for your own needs but the needs of your family.

Having my first child was an experience. Although I had read as much as I could about preparing for motherhood, I had no idea how challenging and rewarding it would be. Having my mother with me all the time to assist, to teach and to guide me with the baby meant a great deal and I am so lucky to have her around now to continue to mentor me as a mother.

I would want my mother to know that she has been a major inspiration in my life and that her constant presence, care and love have allowed me to become the person I am today. I am extremely appreciative of her sacrifice for her children. And of course… that she is the greatest mother in the world.