I was having a chat with a childhood friend and it inspired me to write âïž this post.
I am really proud of growing up in Parish Land. I remember families using the community bath and stand pipe. Our parents went from Pit-toilets to indoor plumbing. Every month if the wood on the side of or on the floor of your house was rotting you would change a few! Leaking galvanize on the roof was patched with a black tar like material during the year and at christmas replacement sheets were bought.
Homes were kept clean and in order. The smallest shanty had the sweetest smell! In and out of our friends home we would play. When the pot was on youâd be invited to stay. No one went hungry because you could always run by a neighbour for lil rice, a pack of macaroni or two potatoes.
The âmeeting turnâ or âsu-suâ money was used to get a lil loan from the credit union cause even back then the banks used to give poor people hell. There were no ârich politiciansâ to demand help from. If you were lucky enough to get a government job you held your head down, did the work and didnât unpick your teeth.
The men in the community wore multiple hats. You knew where to find the mechanics, carpenters, masons and electricians. You knew the needle workers and hair dressers! You knew the teachers who gave free lessons at their homes. Eventually a one bedroom turned to a 2 then a 3 or a four. Wood structures were rebuilt into wall homes.
Children were sent to sunday school and were run off the blocks. Youâd never see a child mixing up or acting like a force rip adult or youâd be reprimanded. Respect for elders was a must even if your parents and them were not on speaking terms! Free Education was a privilege and was viewed as a way to escape poverty. To disrespect a teacher would bring shame and disgrace on your parents. Your backside would get roast from school straight home. We were encouraged to go to school, learn and make something of our lives. It is what we aspired to do and exactly what many of us did.
I am from the era where we were told to cut and contrive, make do with what you have & never be caught begging. If your dinner is mackerel and breadfruit eat it with a good heart and thank the Lord.
I am from the era of drinking âswank waterâ on a hot summer day and taking pumpkin fritters or bakes to school for lunch.
I am from the era where we were ENTITLED to NOTHING! Read that again!!
I am from the era where many traumas went unaddressed BUTâŠâŠ I AM FROM THE ERA that evoked CHANGE & produced STRENGTH!
Looking back I acknowledge the hardships many of them faced but they never buckled under pressure. Many suffered in silence while praying for a brighter tomorrow.
My childhood friends - Crystal, Carrie, Dwane, Kirk, Antonio, Jason, Omar, Leroy, Amanda, Janelle, Tasha, Sophie, Kim, Ryan, Mark, Rodney, Sabrina, Kevin, Adrian, Laron, Chris, Sherryann, Gailann, Gailene, Nadine, Lana, Karen, Renee, Nicole - I have a found memory each of you! Look how all uh we mek man & woman!!!
To the Yardes, Coxes, Bests, Bradshaws, Bournes, Dottins, Ashbys, Chases, Brathwaites, Maloneyâs, Carters, Clarkes, Campbells, Daniels, Lovells, Puckerins, Laynes, Mallets, Merrits, Barnetts, Baileys, Goddards, Stoutes, Waithes, Mayers, Paynes, - TAKE A BOW!! If I left out anyone it wasnât intentional and I thank you too!! Many of us wouldnât be where we are without you or the sacrifices you made.
To those who remain or those who have left NEVER forget where you came from.
To those struggling and asking âwhy meâ if not you then who? God gives his greatest battles to his strongest soldiers!! Chin Up! Press On! Be Positive! Have faith! Take it one day at a time!! Better days come when you work towards them!!!
Straight Outta Parish Land
BE INSPIRED!! Love & Light
#FlashbackFriday #growingup #breakingthecycle #povertyisamindset #hardwork #TheStruggleContinues #prosperity #educationmatters
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