A Trip Down Memory Lane2

CELEBRATING FATHERS
Janice S. Ramkissoon
17th July 2010

IN MY EARLY YEARS:

The late Wilmott A Peddie--My Granddad, was always there providing for us. His provision meant that we always had food to eat, a roof over our heads, clothes to wear and shoes on our feet. It was fun being around granddad. He told jokes, funny stories [sometimes ghost stories that would make us jump on his lap, if he was sitting on the veranda or hold tightly to his hand, if we were walking home from church late at nights]

Granddad had a dog called Joe. When Joe died granddad had a funeral for him and made us sing songs—it was quite an exciting time for us as children but I guess it was just as emotional for granddad as losing a human loved one. That funeral was a special occasion in my childhood because it brought members of the family together. I remember my Aunt Grace had come to visit that day and she picked guavas to make jam. She was sharing them with us at the same time. I remember grandma and Uncle Donald there, someone clearing the path to where Joe would be buried (chopping away the bushes with a cutlass) and I remember someone with a shovel. That day I was allowed to run up and down the path that led to the neighbours. We climbed the Tamarind tree, picked from the tangerine tree and made a lot of noise that day.

My uncles input have been instrumental in my early years. They played with me and counseled me as I grew up. They encouraged me and praised me for the things I did well especially in the things I did for grandma and grandpa. In Recognition of the years of labour from the men in my family, I just want to say thank you for investing in my childhood.

Mr. Donald Peddie, my unlcle, played a key role in helping the grandparents with us. Growing up he was my father. I remember him calling at the window ‘Colebige!’ just to check that we were all ok before heading down to his house, on his way from work. When he cooked for his family he would always send a plate up for grandma to share with us. We had that plate sharing going on between us for breakfast and dinner. I used to enjoy uncles, red-herring with soft white yam and cooked dumplings—DELICIOUS! It goes nicely with fried dumpling as well. He had a pet-name for each of us, including his own children.

Mr. Hervin Peddie, my other uncle, would regularly visit with his family and I would look forward to the times I spent with my cousins, talking about things or playing games. It was always sad when it came time to say goodbye. Uncle Hervin was always bringing us something. He would also bring us ice-cream when he came to visit—my favourite. One day he brought a delco [generator] for us and he would always come on weekends to make sure it works and bringing us petrol so we could have electricity all weekend. We looked forward to weekends and special holidays being able to have light, so we could entertain the villagers for longer, and so that I could iron the school uniforms. My sisters look forward to it so they could watch television. We had much fun memories because our uncle cared enough to bless us with this gift. I remember grandpa watching cricket and getting excited and from this I found out that cricket was my grandpa’s favourite sport. It usually gets dark after 6pm but since having the generator, we could switch on the outside light and neighbours would be at our house keeping us company up until 8pm sometimes. That generator brought the people in our village even closer to each other—what a gift.

Members within my Community:

Mr. Leslie Senior, Mr. Clembert Levy, Mr. Alfred Smith and the late Mr. Russell:

As I grew up I could look to a few men for fatherly advice, without them knowing I was doing so. I remember sitting on Uncle Leslie’s verandah and listening to him as he gives wise counsel, talking about the youth of today or a specific situation in our community. On one of my trips back home, I went to see uncle Leslie; he was by the fields across from his house. I went over to greet him and I still have that picture in my head of him and that cutlass (I believe he had just cut a bunch of banana). Walking back to the yard, he counseled me like a father. It was a great feeling walking by the side of a man I wish was my dad. I will always cherish those special moments. It was a similar experience with the late Mr. Russell and Mr. Smith as I listened to them on my many journeys to their houses, with grandpa. We didn’t see Mr. Levy as often because of his job as a jockey but whenever I followed grandpa to the fields and he was home they would engage in deep man to man conversations. They were always positive words of encouragement which I grew to love and look forward to. These men were stalwarts in my community that I would never tire of hearing them speak words of wisdom. From their conversations I would know what obstacles to avoid in life. I would learn that there was a correct way to behave, one that would please my grandparents. I thank God for these men and many others in my community who have touched my life just by being kind and gentle. Many of these men, I don’t even remember their names but their faces paint a picture of beauty in my heart.

Mr. Trevor Smith:

Trevor Smith was a family friend and our community photographer. Mr. Smith would be there for all graduations and special events. Everyone loved him for capturing special moments. I just loved him for always being there. Whatever the occasion he would be round by our house and he’s always helping granddad to do things around the yard. I remember him giving us jockey rides, whistling to the tune of the birds to amuse us and other fun stuff. When I had the 2^nd car accident it was Mr. Smith who had to lift me and carry me up and down the hilly, rocky path that led to my grandparents’ house. I have never heard an unkind word said about this man—I remember him as a gentle and caring individual who had the utmost respect for my grandparents.

Mr. Kennedy:

I called him dad, because he welcomed me into his family. I would spend many times around the dinner table with him and his family or sitting on the verandah listening to his wise tales. I witnessed his fatherly love as he taught, disciplined or encouraged his children. He would always ensure that one or more of his children would wait with me at the gate, while I wait for a taxi to take me home or follow me part of the way. His children like I was part of the family and that made me feel accepted and at home.

Members from my church:

“The late Reverend Dennis Millwood. He was the first pastor,

whose teachings I was exposed to. I was six years old when I

gave my first public testimony and that was based on his

encouragement.

Deacon Claudius Hall, who would always send us back home with ground food --provision for our meals. He also chastised and encouraged me as a youth, in the church.;

The Rev. Clinton Chisholm, who left a lasting impression on me, by the way he played the role of a father and a husband in his home, and allowed me to share in that experience. One of his bible study sessions left the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew chapter 25) embedded in my brain from a youth, and today this parable helps to keep me focused;”

(Extract from "Where is the love" as featured in the Big Eye Newspaper)

My New Initiatives[1] Family:

“Bro. Paul [Pablo] Reid, my then youth worker, played that [fatherly] role quite well, throughout my late teens through to early adult years. There were never unanswered questions during that stage of my life. He was at my graduation, cheering me on, as I took those steps on receiving, with honours, my ‘Bachelor of Arts’ Degree. And he was there on my wedding day, with an assuring smile, as I marched down the aisle"

(Extract from "Where is the love" as featured in the Big Eye Newspaper)

[1] Now New Initiatives Youth and Community Association

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