How many can say that they were born with the innocence of a new babe…..and never lose it?

This is the testimony of the life lived by Donnell Louise Brown.

Birthed by her mother who barely survived the experience, Evelyn Brown bid goodbye to her baby girl, a mere seven days later. As Donnell's father, Calvin Brown, resided on Mayaguana, the best option for this beautiful infant was to remain in Nassau.

This precious baby instantly captured the hearts of her immediate family. As most special children do, Donnell ensnared them and never let them go. Born with a condition that left her mute and lame, Donnie, so affectionately called, would never be able to do the things most children could, but many would assert that she left a legacy of love few ever would.

With her everyday care to see to, Grammy Lilla Moss (deceased) unhesitatingly stepped in and saw to it that "her baby" would want for nothing! And from the age of seven days to age twenty eight, Donnie did not!

Uncle Junior (deceased), siblings Emmerson and Sharon who all lived with Grammy Lilla, told at times of the pleasant youth-hood enjoyed by Donnell. They would tell of her infectious laughter that only became lost if she was hungry or in pain. In fact Sharon remembers the many hours that they would play gently with their baby, and as a young girl take her to "church". Of course this church many would accurately name Bedside Baptist Church, for the Preacher was Sharon and the congregation none other than Donnell and Emmerson!!! For hours Donnie would smile and encourage "Reverend Sharon" to preach and sing the hymns she so loved to listen to!

Yes, Donnell lived a simple, well structured, lovely life. Soon the venue of it however would change. Grammy Lilla suddenly began to talk of shifting the care of Donnell elsewhere. She encouraged Sharon to seek the assistance of The Robert Smith Ward at The Sandilands Rehabilitation Center. In wisdom, she admonished Sharon to allow herself (the latter) the luxury of living a full life, knowing that excellent care would be given to Donnell at this facility. Within one week of Donnell's admittance onto the ward, Grammy Lilla passed away.

And Donnell, whose care was placed into the hands of strangers at the time, blossomed! Many of the nurses on the Smith Ward took her as they would a family member. One shared a story upon a visit by Sharon that made everyone who hears it smile. She happened to be walking by snacking on a cup of Jello. A great ruckus followed and when the nurse realized that it was Donnie fussing her for the Jello,

she playfully informed her that she (Donnie) needed to go and get her own! That did not sit well with Donnie who continued until the patient Nurse fed her a carton!

Donnie looked forward to the Sunday visits from her sister and brother Cleveland, and would glow at just the sound of Sharon's voice. While Donnie could not understand most people, she sure enjoyed dressing up and being teased by her sister; she would laugh at her jokes about dressing her in a mini skirt!

Donnell enjoyed excellent health under the ministration of her caregivers. However, In March of this year, this changed. Beset with physical complications from a cyst, the damage soon took its toll.

Donnell was admitted to hospital on the 30th August, 2013. A speedy recovery was not to be however. As dusk began to descend on the earth on the evening of September 12th, Donnie's life just as quietly came to an end.

"Just because someone can't talk does not mean that they have nothing to say," penned an unknown author.

With this we have no doubt that Donnie would have agreed!

Could she, Donnell would have praised the unconditional love and support she received from her grammy, siblings and other family members.

She would have cheered on the visits from those who would visit her week after week for years.

Donnell would have thanked the patient nurses for their unwavering, staunch care as they became her arms, legs and voice.

No, Donnell could not talk, but with her ever present, beautiful smile, she shared all this and more!

Finally as she took her last breath, could she, Donnell would have reminded those she left behind, to remember her with love; rejoice with her as she can now walk the streets of gold and sing with the Heavenly hosts!