Do you know Melinda Diaz?
Fearon McIntosh was told that his mother, Melinda Diaz, from whom he was separated when he was six months old. His mother, he has been told, was 17 years old when she gave birth to him at Victoria Jubilee Hospital in Kingston on July 11, 1978 — which is 44 years ago.
McIntosh, who currently resides overseas, told THE STAR that he has explored several ways of locating his mother.He said that he has utilised call-in radio programmes and was even a guest on a popular local television show. To date, his efforts have proven futile as he has yet to rekindle his relationship with his mother.
“I don’t know what the circumstances was, however, I would love to meet my mom, so we can sit and have a conversation,” McIntosh told THE STAR.
McIntosh’s cousin, Karine Stew, said that as a baby, his father, Egbert McIntosh, took him from Diaz, who was on Lorriane Avenue, Kingston, to live with other family members.
Kathleen Robinson-Brown, who was tasked to raise McIntosh, described him as well-mannered and intelligent child. She said that not having his mother in his life as a child affected McIntosh.
“It used to affect him when other children talk about their mothers, so me being the guardian, I would help to counsel him, guide him and show him that affection. If she is still alive and anybody knows her, or have idea about her family, they can contact us because he would like to know his mother,” Robinson-Brown said.
Stew told THE STAR that enquiries were made at the Lorriane Avenue address where Diaz resided but no one knew of her. She also said that they do not have a picture of her.
“The only thing we know is that the dad said she is from Wildman Street [in Kingston] and that she has family in St Elizabeth,” Stew said.
Meanwhile, McIntosh, who is a restaurant supervisor, said that he would love to get the opportunity to not only meet his mother’s relatives.
“It is very important for me to meet my mom. I grew up all my life not knowing her, searching for her, just wanted to hold her and let her know I forgave her, and everything is OK. I hope she is still alive and doing OK. It would be amazing to finally see what she looks like and I would get closure,” McIntosh said.
“I would love to share a birthday, Mother’s Day and the rest of my life with her, because every Mother’s Day I feel empty. She was brave and strong, and for that I will always love her. She chose to have me at a tender age. Mom, if you’re alive, just reach out please, and let God do the rest,” he added.