Tribute to Ms. Hermine from Sasha
Today, I want to honor someone who wasn't just a part of my life, she was a pillar in it. Ms. Hermine came into my world when I was a little girl, officially as a housekeeper, but from the very beginning, she cared for me like a second mother. With every act of love, big and small, she showed me what it meant to be nurtured, protected, and cherished.
The memories of coming home from school to her loving care are etched in my heart forever. I always looked forward to her famous lemonade because she knew I loved it. I've never found, nor made, a better one, no matter how hard I've tried. It was the perfect welcome, and it always felt like her way of saying, "I'm here. You're home. You're safe."
As a teenager, I remember constantly begging to have friends over or to do something I probably shouldn't have been doing on a school night. And she would give me that stern look and say, "Call Ms. Knowles first," or "No, Ms. Knowles did not say you can do that," as she fondly called my Aunt Di. At the time, I didn't love that answer, but now I understand. It was her way of protecting me, of setting boundaries not to control me, but to care for me, especially when I had homework to finish. It was a sign of her loyalty and love, not just to Aunt Di, but to me. She always wanted the best for me.
She had a fierce sense of pride and attention to detail. My clothes were always perfectly ironed because to her, looking unpresentable was simply not an option. It wasn't about vanity, it was about dignity. She carried herself with grace and she passed that on to me in a thousand quiet ways. She was always there when I needed her, whether it was advice, comfort, or just her steady presence. I'll never forget the time I wasn't allowed to dye my hair, so I tried to do it with red Kool-Aid. The sugar hardened in my curls, and I thought I had ruined my hair forever. I was crying, and instead of scolding me, she helped me gently wash it out. That was who she was. Present, calm, loving.
She was a master in the kitchen, and I looked forward to every single meal she made. Even when I came home late from extracurriculars, she'd leave my dinner packed neatly in Tupperware just for me. I felt so seen, so cared for.
She encouraged me to do my best in school, in dance, and in whatever I was passionate about at the time. She came to my dance performances, cheered me on with pride in her eyes, and gave me unwavering support that meant everything.
When I left for university and began a new life in Canada, it was hard. I even joked about her coming with me and staying in my dorm because I couldn't imagine being without her. I never expected her to leave Aunt Di's house because in my heart, I thought she'd always be there. A part of me believed she'd be waiting when I returned. That's what makes today so painful. I truly thought I'd see her again.
Still, when I came home for summer visits, she always made sure I was taken care of. Whether it was the way she prepared my space, the thoughtful touches she left behind, or simply her presence in the house, I always felt wrapped in her care. To this day, the scent of Tide and Downy brings me right back to her.
As time passed and I built my life abroad, and she moved home to care for her own family, we drifted a little. But every time I spoke with Aunt Di, she would say, "Ms. Hermine asked about you," and I'd reply, "Tell her I love her and I miss her." The last time I spoke to her was in December, after I had moved home from Canada. I got the chance to tell her how much I missed her, how much I loved her, and how badly I was craving her lemonade. She laughed and wished me well. I didn't know it would be the last we'd speak.
I loved Ms. Hermine not just for everything she did for me, but for who she was to me. She wasn't only a caregiver. She was a living example of strength, grace, and unwavering devotion. She was another pillar of womanhood placed in my life, almost as if destined, to help shape the woman I was meant to become. Through her love, her discipline, and her care, she mothered me in the truest sense of the word. I will always cherish her. And I will miss her for the rest of my life.
To her family, especially her daughters, I want to say thank you. Thank you for sharing Ms. Hermine with me. I know she was yours first, and yet she gave so much of herself to me too. I will be forever grateful for the space you allowed her to hold in my life.
Thank you, Ms. Hermine, for every moment, every gesture, every quiet act of love. You will forever be a part of me.
Love forever,
Sasha
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