Postcards From Jamaica

When I visited Jamaica in January, for my father's funeral, it was a super short trip, but we made the most of our time, in the country of my birth...

Jamaica on My Mind

If you're a teacher and you live in the South, then you'll soon be heading back to school.

That's three days to be exact!

And if you live in the North, well then you have like another month or so of summer to go.

Such a disparity!

I'd much rather do it like they do up North.

So...as I count down my remaining days of freedom and gear up for yet another crazy and hectic school year, I can't help but think of our summer vacay in Jamaica.

Sweet Jamaica

You can't help but wake up at 6:30 a.m. here.

The sun begins its rise really early, well before 6 a.m., brighter than any star you would dare to look at, you have to shield your eyes, squinting, from the audacity of its glow.

Where I'm From

I am from cloth diapers, clotheslines, and clothespins.

I am from a loving, caring, and devoted mother. She is, to this day, one of the best people I know.

I am from a father who did the best he could, but fell short in countless ways.

I am from maids and helpers who helped to take care of me and my sister while our parents worked.

I am from prep schools with uniforms, high standards, and hard work.

I am from celebrating birthdays with my sister, Chica, because I was born on her second birthday. I'm still her best gift ever. Ha!

I am from Mama and Papa, a slew of aunts, uncles, and cousins back when it really did take a village to help raise a child.

I am from any fruit tree you can possibly imagine...mango, coconut, avocado, plum, apple, orange, cherry, star-apple, and grapefruit...too many more to list.

I am from palm trees, steep mountains, lush landscapes, breathtaking views and white sandy beaches that stretch for miles.

I am from torrential rains and Mother Nature's devastating hurricanes.

I am from the island of Jamaica where our motto is, "Out of many one people."

I am from a country where people are just people. We are not categorized as Black, White, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, Asian, or Other.

I am from a neighborhood where anyone knows almost everyone and, "Ice-cream, ice-cream cake and Nutty Buddy," was an incessant afternoon call from the local ice-cream man as he rode through the streets, on his bicycle, carrying icy treats. This still brings a smile to my face.

I am from going to Hellshire Beach every Saturday, and some Sundays too, when mom would pack enough bully beef sandwiches to feed the entire neighborhood. I miss those days.

 Coconut Drops

Bread Pudding

I am from bread pudding, lemon meringue pies, stew cherries, sweet potato pudding, coconut drops and many other delectable treats, with mouth watering aromas, that made my house a home.

This is where I'm from.