Birthday lyme

 In Jamaica we have a saying “good fren better dan pocket money.”

 That’s oh so true.

Unfortunately, I don’t have that many persons I consider good fren. But among that cherished few is Janice. I met her almost thirty years ago, when we were rookie realtors with the then trend setting C.D. Alexander LTD., one of Jamaica’s oldest real estate companies.

One reason why we clicked immediately was because we both shared the same maiden name Marshall. Her large family has produced several male footballers (soccer) who have not only played for Jamaica, but also many clubs and colleges in the USA, even coaching at some. However, we couldn’t find any blood relationship between us. Maybe it’s because her family originated from the big city, Kingston, and mine from rural Jamaica, St. Elizabeth.

The main reason Janice is so dear to me though, is because she is one of those who was there for me 27 years ago when my only son Thor was murdered.

Persons who have lost a child know that there can never be a greater personal tragedy. So those who helped to keep you sane, have a special place in your heart.  Even if they don’t remember the role they played, you never forget!

That was such a tragic period in my life that I have often thought that I have a duty to help others who have been down that terrible road, by writing about the difficult road to recovery. I started to do so about two years ago but hadn’t finished. However, just a few weeks ago, I made up my mind to get back to the task when I return from Jamaica in August 2022. It will be called “Rising from the Ashes.”

But I am straying, aren’t I?😏

Janice unda mi han. She gave me 6 love later😓

I wondered off into this space however as I looked at these fun photos of us having a wonderful time last night to enjoy Pierre’s birthday.

 Birthday boy and his girlfriend. A proud mom records the moment

Pierre is Janice’s son and since I have virtually become a member of her family, I am always happy to be included in their activities. Besides she her sister, brother (missing last night) and I are all domino fanatics.

As I said good fren better Dan pocket money so it’s always so I  must always cherish those moments I spend with the few people who fall in that category.

Memories.

A Great Brother

If you do not have a brother, get one!

Now I am no expert on the matter as I only have one brother and no sisters, but my brother Bernie is the greatest.

This was again reinforced on the weekend of May 15th when he put on a wonderful early birthday party for me at his vacation home in Silver Sands.

You see, since I reached the half century mark some years ago, I decided that I would have a party for every birthday following that big bash, for my 50th birthday party was indeed a big a splash and I guess as you get older you really appreciate your friends and close family. For whereas you may see them a couple of times during the year and keep up with them in other ways, one big get together per year is just not too much, for life is short.

So as I planned this years big do, I was overwhelmed when Bernie told me he was planning to be here in May, as he had never been in Jamaica when my birthday came around. I therefore told him to be here for the weekend of May 21st since my birthday was actually on the 20th and I was planning the session for that weekend.

A few days later he called to say he couldn't come that weekend but would be here the weekend before that and he would be having the party at his home in Silver Sands for me, so we should all come down to Trelawny.

He did and it was absolutely wonderful. Everyone had a great time and they have been calling me ever since to say how they enjoyed themselves as the food, music and ambiance was just great.

At the party too were the foundation members of "Fun and Thrills" my riding group. So being health freaks, we decided that we had to work off all the food with a long 22 mile ride from Duncan's via Hamden , Daniel Town the Trelawny stadium and back home. The route was not at all difficult and it was extremely scenic....that is until we got to the highway. That was where the real bangarang hit us as by then the sun was blaring down and the breeze was against us. It is the longest 9 kilometre ride I have had in a long time. That leg of the ride made me have a new level of respect for the 'round the island riders" Howie, Heather, Michael , Damit and Orrel, who on Easter weekend, rode around the entire island taking 4 days. Can you imagine how much self discipline it took to stay in the saddle as the sun unmercifully beat down on them? I still think they are masochists.

But I deviate. As Bernie and Judy (my sister in law) had to get to the airport early, unfortunately we missed them as we got back to the house after they had driven out. I was so hot and tired that all I could do was eat breakfast and lie in the pool to get my body temperature back to normal. I never even had the energy to go down to the beach, lest I had to fight any waves.

Anyway I eventually bounced back and the joy and mood of the wonderful weekend returned before we had to return to Kingston.

Another year older and great weekend.

For other photographs, go to ;http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=212087&id=763366822&saved