by E. Charles.

Long before the two World Wars, that altered the way we human beings view atomic bomb and other biochemical weapons. Before man-made diseases began to destroy mankind. Haiti was only 86 years old, when Henriette Bolane emerged into this world. November 10, 1890, a new life began and another one departed. How unfortunate, her mother did not live to see her blossom.

Henriette Bolane is a strong, beautiful, and independent Haitian woman, who celebrated her 110th birthday this pass November. Most people know her by "Manman Yeyette". Despite her age, Manman Yeyette's strength and sense of charisma continue to capture the heart of those who come to visit.

She is the daughter of a strong family from Fond des Blancs, Haiti. Manman Yeyette grew up in the time where marital arrangement was at its peak. Yet, she did not allow society's barrier and expectation to intimidate her; she challenged and overcame these obstacles to choose her own husband. Mrs. Bolane married twice and had eight children two of them deceased. Like any other Haitian mother, her circle would never be complete without some grand kids. Manman Yeyette has 24 grandchildren some of whom she helped raise. Thus far, she lives to see the fifth generation of her family.

Manman Yeyette loves to cook, and she prepared the meal for her family until she reached 100 years old. After some diri kole, ak poul, she enjoys kadanse to some Haitian Compa before she goes to bed. Krik! Krak! Manman Yeyette enlightens her children and grandchildren with stories. Tales about the life she lived while growing up and the way people from this generation differed from her time. Nowadays, children have no respect for the elders; however, in her time as a young girl, a child could not even look at an adult in the eye. Yet, if that child were to do something wrong anyone could discipline the child.

Furthermore, life was not so expensive and one did not have to struggle to earn a decent living. Nan tan pal la tè te konn prodwi. The land used to be fertile and it produced what the people needed to earn a living. Farmers exchanged their crops at the market for other goods. A person could go to the market with cinq (5) kòb, Haitian currency at the time, which is now Gourde, and buy all the things he or she needed. She went on to talk about the American invasion of Haiti in 1915, and les cacos, a group from the north that opposed the American occupation of Haiti; their leader was Chalemagne Peralte.

Manman Yeyette came to the United States in 1971, when she was 81 years old. Nevertheless, one thing she wishes is to be buried in Haiti. However, the current political situation in Haiti has distressed her so much that she settles to lay to rest in the United States. Akin to Ti Manno, a Haitian singer who opposed the Duvalier regime and sang against having his body buried in a foreign country, she too has to give up that one final wish, because of her countrymen unwillingness to run the country in orderly fashion.

At 105 years old, she and her children concluded that it would be to her advantage to become a US citizen. On November 1998, Manman Yeyette had the honor of receiving a birthday card along with a picture from then President William Jefferson Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton for her 108th Birthday. Even though, the Haitian officials have not officially acknowledged her existence.

Unfortunately, after her 110th birthday last year, she contracted pneumonia, which has left unable to do her daily chores. Luckily, Manman Yeyette lives with Claire, a wonderful daughter who cares for her mother. Caring for one's parent is one of the most valuable aspects of the Haitian culture. Regardless of the amount of time required, Claire is devoted to care for her mother until her last moment.

Marie Jonas, one of Manman Yeyette's granddaughters, feels very lucky and blessed to have a grandmother who lives to see such age. While, she perceives that the changes and the condition that we live in these days would not allow her to reach her grandmother's age. She strongly believes, to have Manman Yeyette as a grandmother, is a blessing from God.

Henriette Bolane 1890-2002 May 2002 - Henriette "Man Yeyette" Bolane Dies at 111 Years Old Haiti is yet to celebrate 200 years of independence, but Henriette Bolane was alive for more than half of that time. She lived through most of the stuff that we learned in history. She was known affectionately throughout the community as "man yeyette." Mrs. Bolane is survived by four children, Lauvanne Zephirin of Hyattsville, Clementine Guelce of Laurel and Amela Lemaire and Morilan Bolane, both of Takoma Park; a son from a previous relationship, Luc Dorisca of Haiti; 27 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter. "Man Yeyette," we appreciate the time that God allowed you to be with us.