Sorry for my 2 week absence folks. My dad died, and the grieving process is on.
But this mountain of grief will be moved, in time.
Few fathers involve themselves 100 percent in their children's lives. My Dad gave it all, always, to all of his 7 children. He was our playmate, role model, tutor, protector and provider. A stern disciplinarian with a sense of humor, Daddy's influence lives on in all 7 of us.
So my brothers have a tough act to follow. They are called to love their wives unconditionally, provide for their children completely and please God daily. Good luck boys!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
Taiwan / St. Kitts
The President of Taiwan visited St. Kitts recently. It was a historic and joyous occasion for the tiny twin island federation. Taiwan and St. Kitts share a big brother-little sister relationship, which is advantageous to each sibling. "An unlikely pair," some say; but who determines the best fit of a relationship?
Through the generosity of the Taiwanese government, students of the federation have been assisted in the drive for Computer Literacy; a significant number receive scholarships to pursue Tertiary Education in Taiwan annually, and the recent bilateral agreement to extradite criminals will definitely benefit both countries, and our world in general.
So why scoff at the Taiwanese flags that fly in synchrony with our Kittitian pride?
No small island can, on its own, achieve the level of development required for the competitive edge needed in these technological times. At least not as fast as it should, to avoid the western stigma of being "Third World". Those words connote a level of baseness and reluctance to develop at the pace of the G8's. Why should we settle for global scorn when we can graciously receive the friendship and assistance of the Taiwanese?
Sunday, August 18, 2013
My Daddy Moved Mountains
My Daddy died today.
He was a great man; not merely a good man, but a man of substance.
My Daddy married, stayed married for fifty two years, and raised seven children: three girls and four boys. From this brood came forth three PhD's, a Human Resource Manager, a Teacher/Principal and owner of a private school, one MBA/Computer Business Owner, and a Certified Chartered Accountant. In Daddy's world there was no room for laziness or lack of ambition. He despised "sloven behaviour" and frowned heavily on sleeping during daylight hours.
My Daddy was a serious man who had a sense of humour. Ironic? No; he knew that life was no joke, and that laughter encouraged easy communication with his children. Daddy told fascinating stories about "Boggey Men" and giants to his young children, but also stuffed us with BBC news, Geography books and a deep respect for self, siblings, family and God. We knew we had to do well at school. Always. It wasn't just about the fear of being called a dunce, it was also about not disappointing Daddy; Daddy who worked so hard to feed and clothe his brood.
My Daddy was proud of me! And he told me so, very often. He was proud of the others too, but I am his little girl, so I relished his joy at my accomplishments. Daddy's praise was worth more than a new dress or a pretty doll. It made me beam and blush and tingle all over. My heart rate actually increased from his approval. I love my Daddy and am thrilled to have had him for almost all of fifty years.
Daddy walked me down the aisle; gave me Piggy Back rides; played table tennis and billiards with me; taught me how to play cricket under the house. I watched Daddy tottering from side to side as he returned from the fish market, bags laden with bargains to provide nourishment for his children. On the back steps he cleaned those fish, while educating us about the differences between carite and cavali, and the uses for shark and bonito. He sometimes brought "Fry Dry": small bait-sized fish which the fishermen threw into his bags as bonus. We were expected to crunch through those "soft" bones as he did, and not spit anything out, but I managed to hide mine and dispose of them secretly.
Daddy loved my Mommy. He was not a gusher, but a conservative husband, who brought home Women's Day magazines, and pastry on his return from work. No birthday or anniversary went without celebration, gift or card. My Daddy was a classy man. Although he lost his dad at the age of nine, he grew into a fine man, and a powerful role model. Tonight I salute my Dad for his life well lived, and for all the mountains he moved in honour of his wife and children!!
He was a great man; not merely a good man, but a man of substance.
My Daddy married, stayed married for fifty two years, and raised seven children: three girls and four boys. From this brood came forth three PhD's, a Human Resource Manager, a Teacher/Principal and owner of a private school, one MBA/Computer Business Owner, and a Certified Chartered Accountant. In Daddy's world there was no room for laziness or lack of ambition. He despised "sloven behaviour" and frowned heavily on sleeping during daylight hours.
My Daddy was a serious man who had a sense of humour. Ironic? No; he knew that life was no joke, and that laughter encouraged easy communication with his children. Daddy told fascinating stories about "Boggey Men" and giants to his young children, but also stuffed us with BBC news, Geography books and a deep respect for self, siblings, family and God. We knew we had to do well at school. Always. It wasn't just about the fear of being called a dunce, it was also about not disappointing Daddy; Daddy who worked so hard to feed and clothe his brood.
My Daddy was proud of me! And he told me so, very often. He was proud of the others too, but I am his little girl, so I relished his joy at my accomplishments. Daddy's praise was worth more than a new dress or a pretty doll. It made me beam and blush and tingle all over. My heart rate actually increased from his approval. I love my Daddy and am thrilled to have had him for almost all of fifty years.
Daddy walked me down the aisle; gave me Piggy Back rides; played table tennis and billiards with me; taught me how to play cricket under the house. I watched Daddy tottering from side to side as he returned from the fish market, bags laden with bargains to provide nourishment for his children. On the back steps he cleaned those fish, while educating us about the differences between carite and cavali, and the uses for shark and bonito. He sometimes brought "Fry Dry": small bait-sized fish which the fishermen threw into his bags as bonus. We were expected to crunch through those "soft" bones as he did, and not spit anything out, but I managed to hide mine and dispose of them secretly.
Daddy loved my Mommy. He was not a gusher, but a conservative husband, who brought home Women's Day magazines, and pastry on his return from work. No birthday or anniversary went without celebration, gift or card. My Daddy was a classy man. Although he lost his dad at the age of nine, he grew into a fine man, and a powerful role model. Tonight I salute my Dad for his life well lived, and for all the mountains he moved in honour of his wife and children!!
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Welcome!
It's great to have you reading my blog!
Challenges hit us when we are often unprepared; that's what makes these situations challenging. Most times we don't want to hear the cliches: "It will be alright; all things work together for good; when one door closes, another one opens.." However, we do have to deal with the repercussions of our attitudes and actions. I have learned and am still learning how to numb myself to certain situations, or some aspects of people's behaviors. I have learned to completely ignore some persons and to not answer many phone calls or emails.
The mountains in my life challenge me to find sensible, creative ways to cope with and conquer my weaknesses. As a daughter, sister, mother, teacher, niece and friend I am pulled in many directions, often simultaneously. My primary challenge is to prioritize correctly, every single day.
I invite you to welcome challenges as opportunities to sharpen your senses and catapult you to the summit of your Best Self.
Here's to a long, fulfilling blogging experience!
Challenges hit us when we are often unprepared; that's what makes these situations challenging. Most times we don't want to hear the cliches: "It will be alright; all things work together for good; when one door closes, another one opens.." However, we do have to deal with the repercussions of our attitudes and actions. I have learned and am still learning how to numb myself to certain situations, or some aspects of people's behaviors. I have learned to completely ignore some persons and to not answer many phone calls or emails.
The mountains in my life challenge me to find sensible, creative ways to cope with and conquer my weaknesses. As a daughter, sister, mother, teacher, niece and friend I am pulled in many directions, often simultaneously. My primary challenge is to prioritize correctly, every single day.
I invite you to welcome challenges as opportunities to sharpen your senses and catapult you to the summit of your Best Self.
Here's to a long, fulfilling blogging experience!
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