Jamaica Gleaner

MORE THAN A FEW

- – Naketa West – Hyacinth Burgess-Gregory In honour of my father, Ronald Burgess – Jasneth Mullings In memory of our dad Renford Gallimore – Erica Brown Marriott

There’s an evolutiona­ry theory in society that has many wondering if you are going extinct.

But in many spaces, we see your need and significan­ce.

Not for a woman’s or your kid’s currency but an active contributo­r in your family.

Provider, protector, leader, teacher, servant, positive influencer, difference maker. A voice at the table that helps with balancing.

Focused, ambitious, resilient specimen.

The world has been unkind to you, some for reasons that are true.

But that should not devalue the gifts God instilled in you. There are just some things you naturally know how to do. And truly, I can say that I appreciate what you do.

Like grape is to wine without you there would be no mankind. You’re often overlooked and taken for granted.

But Man of God you are NOT insignific­ant.

You are a beacon for boys, Protector for girls,

Support for homes,

Tower for families, Examples of love,

The key and hope for a better tomorrow!

To the men that make a positive difference,

I can honestly say, there are more than a few.

On this Father’s Day and everyday

Thanks for showing young men what they can become…who they should become.

My Father, who blesses me Despite my faults and frailty Who calms my fears And calls me dear

Is so sincere

I love him!

For all the times he rescued me Physically, emotionall­y, From detriments of life and love

From financial ruin – He’s my treasure trove! I love him!

Although at times I’m insincere He never doubts my love, my care So hopeful, he forgives my wrongs

And gives me courage to press on. He’s such an admirable man!

I love him!

So now that I am grown and wise I see life through my father’s eyes And try to parent like he did,

Excusing tantrums of my kids

Giving them benefit of the doubt

For as father says, “They’ll work things out!”

He’s so wise!

I just can’t help but love him!

A pause. A permanent pause. The clock has stopped ticking on life. Picture this. Uprooting a 100-year-old oak tree. With each root pulling away from the hardened soil comes a shudder, a shake and a violent separation which reverberat­es far beyond the root structure. So it is with losing a parent. At our biological, physiologi­cal and emotional core lies those roots which strike a chord in just about every area of our lives. While some of the roots may naturally die and fall away, many remain in place, bruised, hurt and peeling, subject to the healing sands of time. We are stripped of a protective coating which carried us for such a long time and which some may wish could carry us forever. Memories, mixed emotions. They live on, serving as our portal to the past.

As uncomforta­ble, discombobu­lating and disruptive as this experience is, we are forcefully thrust onto a new path. One we must embark on, timidly or boldly, or moving between these states, living with a disconnect. As if reliving the toddler years of our life, we must gingerly learn to walk again, riding out the bumps and bruises as we fall and rise again. We must claim our healing out of the burnt ashes. Set a new vision, even a new direction if we must.

This disconnect­ion with the past is akin to going offline. You will tinker with it for a while until a new pathway opens. The greater meaning of the experience may grab hold of you, or you may need to search for the meaning, finding it in your own time. In the meantime, grab your power tools. Silence. Meditation. Tears. Prayer. Laughter. Physical activity. Breathing. Talking. Forgivenes­s ... . Whatever serves and uplifts the human in you and prepares you for the new journey beckoning. Maybe it’s best to build a bridge

True fathers are as precious as the air we breathe.

They are not among the lot who spend their time,

Devoid of conscience, sowing seeds.

Then, like cowards, hide or turn their backs

Even before their willing roots emerge as tots!

True fathers, through their children, show their worth. They readily wear their pants And sometimes even don the proverbial skirt,

Just to build trust, hope, and wisdom

To help the children know their worth.

The responsibi­lity of fatherhood is not an idle jest.

It’s not about the game of numbers

Or any flagrant beating of the chest

To declare – “That is my ‘youte’!” When a child derives success!

A father’s day is every day for the man who cherishes his home! He’s immune to all distractio­ns. He knows and plays his roles as Teacher, preacher, leader, confidant and friend.

His ‘DAY’ is for a lifetime! Then, when he transcends, his children, through their own lives, Gratefully pay him homage.

So, fathers, who are fathers Take a proud bow, if you will! Then, let the Supreme Father guide you

As your myriad duties you fulfil!

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