I’ll Buy You Heaven

In British Guiana in the 1960s, a forbidden love story bloomed amid societal expectations and entrenched prejudices. Merle, an Indian-Guyanese girl, and Aubrey, an African-European-Guyanese boy, dared to cross the lines that divided their communities. Bound by an invisible thread, they navigated the turbulent waters with a fierce desire to be together. They eventually left their homeland and found solace in the vast embrace of Canada. Here, they vowed their hearts to each other and built a life together, raising two daughters. Their love story transcends time and distance, whispered on the wings of letters that bridged the miles when Aubrey's work took him to the sands of Saudi Arabia. These heartfelt missives become a testament to the enduring power of love, a silent symphony played across continents, weaving a melody of longing, resilience and unwavering devotion. Merle's poignant memoir is not just a love story; it is a love letter to her husband and a celebration of their life together. It is a powerful reminder that love knows no boundaries, no matter the distance or the societal constraints. In the fading ink of Aubrey's letters, we hear his longing, his pride in their daughters and his unshakeable love for his wife. This story will resonate with anyone who has ever dared to love beyond boundaries and is a testament to the unwavering spirit of two souls who defied the odds and wrote their own love story, one letter, one memory, one heartbeat at a time. Merle recollects that, while on vacation in India, Aubrey had secretly bought a painting she had admired in a local shop. She remembers saying, 'Love, you are always buying me such beautiful things.' Aubrey simply shrugged his shoulders and replied, 'You know, if possible, I'll buy you heaven.'