Bertie came to Hopkins as a Peace Corps volunteer a little over a year ago, and we all instantly fell in love with this beautiful soul. 

She gave the village a presence it hadn't enjoyed before, and she gave us a library.  She took the old pre-school, leaking roof, broken plumbing and all, and turned it into a place of learning and possibilities.

Jody and I woke up each morning wondering how Bertie slept, how she felt that day, if that same unbelievable smile could still be there.  Beatific comes to mind if I had to choose a word to describe her countenance. It was a joy just to look upon her face.

As neighbors we called over, or she came over for coffee each morning. It was our ritual. In the evening we couldn't wait til she got home from her Peace Corps duties to see how she had passed her day. We watched movies, ate popcorn and acted foolish until the late hours...as if we were all young girls again.

Alas, we were not.

None of us knew then how much time we had left together...as none of us ever do. We laughed and played with the abandon of children at times, giggling over a simple photograph of a butterfly or sitting awestruck on the reef at sunrise.

She was such a dear friend and gentle person, that we couldn't wait to hear what she thought about some current event... to hear her laugh at things we had found to be humorous during our own eight hours away from her.

I don't know what Bertie was like before she came to Hopkins. Maybe she hit her stride here. But I know this; knowing her was one of the gifts in this life for which I give thanks. She made my day brighter, lighter and more dear than treasure.

If you knew her...you are nodding right now, because you were blessed by her spirit too. If you didn't know her; I am sorry you missed the chance. Be comforted in this; there are angels among us.

She was the living proof.

To add your comments, stories or pictures of Bertie email: bertie@webelize.net