Amid the pain from losing their son last Wednesday, lovebirds Kenute Williams Sr and Carroline Robinson on Saturday exchanged wedding vows, with a commitment to make their union stronger than ever.
The couple said their ‘I dos’ at the God’s Family Ministry International Church, which is located along Red Hills Road in St Andrew. Among the attendees was Roger Marshall, the Good Samaritan who transported Kenute Jr. to the hospital after seeing him suffering from a gunshot wound on the side of the road.
Carroline, a beautiful 40-year-old bride, said that it was her faith in God along with the love and support shown by her family, friends and the wider public that helped her to get through the day.
“When I woke up in the morning, my family and l gathered around in my mother’s room and we were just there worshiping God, playing gospel some songs and giving thanks for life. He is the one that gave us strength to ensure that we pull through for that day,” the heartbroken mother told THE STAR after the hour-long ceremony.
Kenute Jr., the couple’s 15-year-old son, was murdered three days earlier as he walked to school along Liguanea Avenue in St Andrew. Carroline described her wedding day mood as “happy” but also “overwhelmed” by the fact that she and Kenute Sr. exchanged wedding vows without their son in the midst. The mother recalled ironing her son’s suit to wear at the wedding on Tuesday, a day before he was murdered.
“On my way to the church, I was there still thinking about my baby and still asking God just to give me the strength to still pull through that day. I am so glad that all of us pulled through — no tears even though some bad feelings come — but I fought it back. But God just gave us a happy moment for what is easily the worst week in our lives,” she said.
Her husband, Kenute Sr., said he was glad to have Marshall in their midst. The 49-year-old businessman and another co-worker went to the helpless teen’s aid and took him to the nearby hospital, after they saw him on the sidewalk curled up, suffering from a gaping gunshot wound in his chest.
“Bredda, a just tru yuh no know the amount of love and respect mi have fi yuh for what you did. You were like a father to my son,” said Kenute Sr. to Marshall.
Kenute Sr. and Carroline have been together for 18 years. Carroline said that Kenute Sr, a landscaper, captured her heart immediately when she first him met in Portmore, St Catherine, 20 years ago.
“I knew some of his family before l even meet him, this was many years ago. It was just love at first sight for me,” she said.
Carroline said that the relationship with her husband has its foundation in love, but added that it will only get stronger from their ordeal.
“I don’t even know how to look at this situation to tell the truth, l just know that we are together, stronger than ever, and will always be there for each other, no matter what,” she said.
Pastor Percival Palmer, who was the officiating minister, said he felt privileged to have been given the task to bless their sacred union.
“May their bond grow in strength and love continuously. When l heard about the news, I was so heartbroken but God has given them strength to pull through this day, and he will continue to guide their steps as they seek to move on from their recent tragedy,” he said.
Editor’s note: Earlier reports of this incident stated that Kenute Jr. is the only child for his parents. He is, in fact, the only child for his mother Carroline, and the second of his father’s two children.