LOLA AND ALBURN MILLER’S LOVE, LONG LIFE RECIPE
At 100 and 102 years old, centenarians Lola and Alburn Miller, respectively, are living testaments of a lifetime of love.
The couple met in 1949 and got married in June of 1950 at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kingston, where the then Ms. Myers became Mrs. Miller. This year they will be celebrating 74 years of marriage.
(Lola and Alburn Miller having Easter bun and cheese.)
The couple has not only shared a lifetime of love but also the same birth month and parish of birth. Alburn was born on March 14, 1922, and grew up in west Portland, while Lola was born on March 23, 1924, and grew up in east Portland.
They were brought together by Alburn’s sister, who happened to be a close friend of Lola’s. Lola explained that she and Alburn’s sister were almost inseparable. They were so close that her friend and her husband were the only other people at the wedding, and they later raised their children close as well.
“We met through his sister; we were very close and that’s how we raised our children as well,” said Lola.
Their union blessed them with five children, three daughters, two sons and, eventually, thirteen grandchildren. Lola never tires of expressing her pride in her family, highlighting the joy they bring her.
“They went to good schools, and they made use of their time as well and all of them turned out to be nice adults, including our grandchildren. I am very pleased with them,” said Lola.
Alburn and Lola Miller began their life’s journey in Fruitful Vale, Portland. Lola excelled in the postal service, rising to the position of acting postmistress. Her work often took her to different parts of the country. Meanwhile, Alburn found his calling in the Forestry Department. His job also required him to travel frequently. He remembers spending four months in Puerto Rico on the job.
When asked about their favourite memories, Lola quickly referenced a recent birthday party that was held for her on March 23, her one-hundredth birthday.
She explained that all her family members turned up and she never expected the party to be so grand. She saw her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews and everyone was so grown and beautiful. Lola then asked Alburn what his favorite memory was. He joked about his memory not being as good as hers; while also expressing amazement at how much and how well she remembered.
RECIPE FOR LONG LIFE
According to Lola, the secrets to a long and happy life are being peaceful and being disciplined about your diet. She also mentioned that if there were ever any problems medically, her family doctor visited and took really good care of them.
“We are very strict on the food that we eat, not too much pepper, oil, salt, sugar, or gravy. When we wake up in the mornings, we have our tea or coffee without sugar, then we have fruits during the day and then dinner. We don’t fuss and we are very easy going,” she said.
Their advice to young individuals reflects their wisdom accumulated over decades and they stress the importance of choosing the right company. Lola also advised young couples to not argue and to always make decisions together.
“If you see that you are in a company and it is not the right place you should be, don’t make any fuss and don’t cause any troubles just quietly pull away. Young couples are not to argue and [should] always make decisions together. If there is something that you want to achieve as a couple do not broadcast it and attempt it privately,” she said.
(The Millers with two of their daughters and other family members at the home during a treat sponsored by Yummy)
Lola and Alburn are residing at the Valley Grove Nursing Home in St Mary where they are happy with their living situation and scenery from their room.
“The staff here takes really good care of us, and we are happy. Sometimes we like to come out in the night to sit and look at the lights from the houses until we are ready for bed,” said Lola.
Despite Alburn’s jokes about his fading memory, Lola’s recollection remains sharp. Their personalities complement each other, with Alburn’s quiet demeanor balancing Lola’s outspoken nature.
(Photos by Lanze White)
(Alexcia Campbell is a final-year student at Northern Caribbean University. She may be reached at acampbell42@stu.ncu.edu.jm)
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