Veteran Maurillia Simpson’s sole ambition, after meeting Queen Elizabeth 11, age 7, was to be a soldier in the British Army. Maurillia was a very determined young lady who saw herself as a soldier in the British Army to serve Her Majesty the Queen of England. This stemmed from her parading, with her class, to meet the Queen during the Independence Service for Trinidad & Tobago. Maurillia was convinced that the Queen was waving at her and became very excited and jubilant to the point where she was chastised by her teacher for being over exuberant. Maurillia’s eventual journey to joining the Army in England was hilarious and simply astonishing. Self determination, personal drive and ambition ultimately lead to her signing on the dotted line to serve as a soldier in the British Army.
Conclusion
In life we often have dreams and aspirations which should be pursued with passion and determination. This was certainly done by Maurillia, and she became the soldier that she has always wanted to become from such a very young age. Unfortunately, fate would have it that her dream would be curtailed by circumstances beyond her control, leaving her unfulfilled totally devastated.
Editor’s Note
This story and mental the challenges will resonate with many people, but in particular with those who served on the frontline and having to face the aftermath of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Much more attention needs to be given to the needs of veterans with a view to ensuring that they are cared for in the best possible way, and specifically to reduce the high suicide rate amongst them.
