When I was a
student studying in Jamaica, I would always look forward to the 3rd and
4th week in January. Impatiently I would sit in class waiting for a
text message to come through, informing me that the bus had arrived at the
dental clinic on campus. I looked forwarded to that message, not only because
of the wonderful service I knew the volunteers would give to the children, but
because I would get to see my aunt and cousin. My freedom was coming; at least
for the weekend I would be able to escape Mandeville and the lizards who shared
my room with me (even though I paid all the rent).
As the
volunteers finished their work in Mandeville, I would have the privilege of
traveling with them onto the next stop – Montego Bay. For the weekend, my aunt
and cousin would spoil me with an all-inclusive hotel stay, which meant drinks
by the beach and food that I didn’t have to cook. My cousin and I would also
get in trouble for “almost” missing dinner, but we won’t get into that, LOL. When
the weekend was over and it was time for me to return to school, they would
take me to the “bus depot” and leave me with cab fare and lunch money for the
week – something I was always appreciative of.
My message
to you this morning is – “Family First.”
We all have
our challenges, but when push comes to shove family is there. I know not all
families may function like mine. (If you think I’m crazy, there are a lot more
of us.)But at the end of the day, who you call family are the individuals who
remember you, laugh at you, protect you, kill roaches for you and love you no
matter what.
Remember,
family and loyalty first. All else comes after.
* Special
birthday shout out to Auntie “G” and Ang, who I know read this every morning.
Thanks for always looking out for me.
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