Daddy,
I remember fondly those days when you took us to school as children. We stooped on the backseat of the car shouting “drive faster daddy, drive faster!” As you overtook cars, we would cheer and laughed as we looked through the back window.
You would pick me up from school most days and we would purchase lunch at Butterflakes or Parkway supermarket then park under a tree, which offered shade, to eat. In those moments I learnt a lot from you about politics. We read the Gleaner and listened to 'Public Eye'. We used those moments to talk about anything, religion, politics and what took place at school – just to mention a few.
I recall vividly the only time you ever “flogged me”. I placed that in quotes because all you did was slapped me once in the palm of each hand. Our uncle Rodrick came as usual to play dominoes with you and on this particular day, I asked him for money. As you spanked me you told me to never ask anyone for anything, I should only ask you or mommy. I learnt my lesson.
You were so easy to speak with and, as an adult, I would call you and we would talk about the things that made me upset or we just stayed on the phone talking. We had fun at the garage as I worked with you during my breaks from school. I learnt so much from you and about you.
You were always kind and thoughtful of others. Someone just needed to share with you some difficulty they were experiencing, and you were quick to help in whatever way you could. At home when we were upset, you also became upset and wanted to find a way to fix things for us.
You never engaged in idle conversations about others, instead you were the peacemaker. You would go the extra mile for everyone when possible.
I remember coming home from the hospital after giving birth, and each morning after the babies had their bath, you would take them for walks until they fell asleep. You did not care that you were late for work. As they got older you could be heard making noise with the grandchildren as you played “wolf” with them. A game you all made up.
During my childhood, our yard became a playground for young men from the church and the community, on Saturday mornings. You played cricket with them and every so often, a broken window would be the witness. Daddy, you were selfless in your time and patience with others. Those many hours that you invested in others came back to bless you in your senior years, in the many people who came around to visit and offer help to you and mommy.
During your last stay with us, you told me you were ready to go 'home' but your only concern was mommy. A conversation I was not prepared for. Daddy you taught me to pray, you always prayed. In fact, since your departure Debbie found papers with prayers you wrote, in your jacket pocket.
Daddy, you helped so many persons in so many ways and you never talked or bragged about it. You and mommy made such a team. You got children into high school, you assisted individuals in finding jobs. Both you and mommy made yourselves available to others when they were in mourning. If someone was ill, you volunteered to drive them to the hospital, even if it meant to the University hospital in Kingston (all the way from Montego Bay).
Daddy, you spent time studying God’s word. We always knew when you were scheduled to preach, as we were all on lock down. You locked yourself in your office with your ‘tons’ of commentaries and books related to the bible as you prepared. We still have boxes of books and your handwritten sermons. You truly loved the Lord. Under your leadership, Sunday School was exciting and the many children who came out was proof of that. In fact, your leadership was always dependable and when there was no Pastor present, you took up the baton and led the congregation along with the team of Elders, deacons and other members of the board.
Daddy I could go on and on! There are so many happy memories that you have left me. Your rich legacy makes me proud to be your daughter. You always said ‘thanks’ for even the smallest things - but now it’s my turn to say ‘thanks’. Thanks for having contributed so significantly to my life. I will always love you.
Denise