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This wonderful woman is an inspiration...and shows us the true meaning of a 'beautiful Jamaica'
Aging Beauty...
It would be impossible to even fathom the number of times that we traveled up and down the West end road in Negril. It is immeasurable, but each time I have walked past the Palm Grove Sunday School over the years, there was little to no activity. Doors closed up tight and not a soul in sight.
This trip however, would be different; time to meet the elders.
We arrived in Montego Bay to the usual hustle and bustle at the airport. Tourists clad in bright Jamaican colours; maybe their first visit to the island, some in tiny shorts and tanks with sandals and then others still bundled in clothing from colder climates. There is nothing better than the warmth and wonderful smell in the air which overcomes you when you land in Montego Bay. It’s a sure sign that you have arrived in Jamaica, the land of wood and water.
We weaved our way through customs in the usual fashion, nothing out of the ordinary which is always a bonus. Our friend was standing outside of the gates and greeted us with a smile. We are now on our way to Negril.
I love arriving on the island, no matter what time of the day it is. We usually make it up the West end road in enough time to shop at the local store for supplies and catch sunset before it fades away for yet another day.
The sunset never disappoints, and this day the sun was brighter than usual with a cast of colours across the sky. Vibrant reds, bold orange, as well as pink hues with faded purple shades which filled the sky. The sun was still a huge orange ball of fire, slowly dipping down into the dark waters of the evening.
Everyday is an adventure in Negril. Some days consist of simply nothing. Chilling cliff side, snorkelling, or taking a dip in the pool; it’s just nice to relax and take in all the sights, smells and sounds of this beautiful island.
Early each morning the locals go by, heading to set up their establishments for the day to day runnins’. Cars pull up with their wares in tow. Next door I can see the vendor setting up an array of colourful towels, sarongs and tote bags for sale. Jamaica is beautiful and the colourful wares that line the narrow road up and down the west end are much the same. Red, green, black and yellow, Bob Marley faces, rasta heads, bright beaded bracelets, all of these colours are unique to this island. Most days we spend time chatting and reasoning with the locals and friends who we have come to know.
This is what Jamaica is all about.
Palm Grove Sunday school was open the next day when we walked down to the local store. From a distance I could see the groundskeeper working around the yard and I then noticed the back doors were wide open. I decided to walk in and take a look around. I stood at the back at noticed the woman sitting at the front of the church behind a table. The table was covered in a pretty white crocheted tablecloth, covered with books, bibles and a gold plated donation plate.. I glanced around the church and only caught a glimpse of one man sitting in the pews. The woman at the front looked up at me, smiled and waved me forward. I wasn’t dressed for church but she seemed undaunted by my appearance. I walked up to the table and greeted the woman. She had a vibrant smile; her face lighting up as she quickly asked me,
“How are you doing today?”
I smiled back and told her that I was fine. This sweet lady looked as cool as a cucumber, and I could tell by the look on her face, she knew I was feeling the heat of the day. I kept pulling my hair up and off the nap of my neck. I felt sticky and was looking desperately around for a breeze through the open doors.
It was damn hot!
I noticed she was wearing a black jumper over a white blouse and a black bonnet perched on her head. She looked lovely. I wiped my brow as I felt the sweat dripping into my eyes. She glanced back and forth from her desk and paperwork, then up to me and said,
“Have a seat dear.”
She introduced herself as Miss Harris and for the next few minutes we engaged in a casual conversation. I told her that I had brought a quad cane which I had in my office some time. I mentioned that I worked with the elderly, but felt that someone in Negril could use it more. A big grin came over her face as she said to me,
“ Our Miss Daisy is in need of a good cane.”
As I stood to leave and catch a small breeze through the open doors, I again noticed the donation plate in full view at the front of the table. I reached into my purse and put the few dollars that I had with me into the plate. Miss Harris thanked me, then asked me to sign their guest list. Her last request was that I return on Sunday to meet Miss Daisy. She told me that she arrives like clockwork, each and every Sunday on time, and that I could meet her then.
Miss Harris walked me down the aisle of the beautiful church and we exchanged pleasantries and blessings. I assured her that I would see her again on Sunday. I left the church that day with a wonderful feeling. My heart was open to giving and I knew that this reach would be about helping others, even if in a small way, I knew it would be a start of helping the elderly.
Our vacation flew by as usual and Sunday was upon us. It was another scorcher of a day, and I wanted to wear something sleeveless to walk down the road to the church. My husband looked over at me as I put on a summer dress and it wasn’t long before he went to ask the advise and approval of the staff and housekeepers. We have known these women for many years, so they arrived to voice their opinion on my proper church attire.
A few years back, we made the trip to Sav La Mar to visit our friend in the hospital. Not knowing then that they had a dress code, I was not allowed to enter the hospital in a tank top. Now, that was a first, but our friend Champ quickly gave me ’the shirt off his back’. My husband was reflecting back to that day, and didn’t think that it would be acceptable to go sleeveless. OK, I was resigned to the fact that it was Sunday, church would be full and that I needed to wear a top with sleeves over my shoulders.
After finding a suitable top and showering yet again to cool off, I grabbed the quad cane and I was on my way down the road. The church was only a few minutes from where we stayed, so I was there in no time. I was warmly greeted again with a huge smile from Miss Harris and she introduced me to a few others who were there. The place was virtually empty and she told me that they never know who will show up on any given Sunday. I sat again in the front pew and in less than five minutes, a car pulled up with Miss Daisy.
I turned to the back of the church as I saw a senior man walking in with Miss Daisy on his arm. I stood up and was taken aback by this sweet, beautiful elderly woman. She was dressed in a blue and white cotton dress, her hair tucked under a lovely hat and she wore a smile from ear to ear. The gentleman slowly walked her to the front of the church as Miss Harris came out from behind the table to greet her.
Miss Harris didn’t waste any time in telling Miss Daisy that I was here to give her a gift. Miss Daisy looked over at me as I stood to show her the cane. She was instantly overcome with emotion as her jaw dropped and the corners of her mouth slowly lifted to a wide smile. I put the cane by her side and told her that it was adjustable and I set it for her tall stature. She grabbed the handle and started to walk around the front of the church.
That was a moment I will never forget. She was beside herself with excitement and kept saying out loud,
“The lord is looking out for me. He is taking care of me.”
I was a little lost for words but I was enjoying the excitement Miss Daisy was showing. After a few moments, Miss Harris had to tell Miss Daisy to sit down because she was worried about her falling.
I didn’t stay long, but I took the time to have a chat with Miss Daisy and her family and her life. What a beautiful woman she was. I noticed her soft, smooth skin barely showed any signs of aging. She wanted to tell me as much as she could about her life and I was an eager listener. I touched her hand with mine and I instantly felt the warmth and softness of a woman who loved life.
I left the church that day with a renewed sense of well being. Our elders have so much to offer us in this world, and when I took time to listen to Miss Daisy, I realized she was a woman with great inner strength. Her quiet demeanour, her soft spoken manner, and her zest for life was so inspiring.
I was fortunate again this Sunday, to meet 'Miss Daisy' while passing by the Palm Grove Sunday school. She looked as lovely as ever dressed in a crisp, cool blue flowered dress, along with her accessories, and her hair tucked neatly under a nice summer hat. Her face revealed very little signs of aging since the last time I saw her. She was still holding tight to the quad cane I brought her, and told me that she thinks of me every time she uses it.
She is a refined woman and has the faith and spirit we all strive for in this life. I felt tears well up in my eyes as we shared words and smiles.
This is the Jamaica I have come to know and love.
Much of the islands’ beauty is seen in the gorgeous blue waters, lush greenery and vibrant sunsets, but the real beauty lies in the faces of the elderly.
Hardship, challenges, daily struggles is reality, but the simple pleasures of life can be seen in every etched fine line, facial wrinkle and behind every smile.
This is the true beauty and the real essence of Jamaica and can be found in the souls of its hard working people, and I was lucky enough to find that true beauty in Miss Daisy.
Aging Beauty...
It would be impossible to even fathom the number of times that we traveled up and down the West end road in Negril. It is immeasurable, but each time I have walked past the Palm Grove Sunday School over the years, there was little to no activity. Doors closed up tight and not a soul in sight.
This trip however, would be different; time to meet the elders.
We arrived in Montego Bay to the usual hustle and bustle at the airport. Tourists clad in bright Jamaican colours; maybe their first visit to the island, some in tiny shorts and tanks with sandals and then others still bundled in clothing from colder climates. There is nothing better than the warmth and wonderful smell in the air which overcomes you when you land in Montego Bay. It’s a sure sign that you have arrived in Jamaica, the land of wood and water.
We weaved our way through customs in the usual fashion, nothing out of the ordinary which is always a bonus. Our friend was standing outside of the gates and greeted us with a smile. We are now on our way to Negril.
I love arriving on the island, no matter what time of the day it is. We usually make it up the West end road in enough time to shop at the local store for supplies and catch sunset before it fades away for yet another day.
The sunset never disappoints, and this day the sun was brighter than usual with a cast of colours across the sky. Vibrant reds, bold orange, as well as pink hues with faded purple shades which filled the sky. The sun was still a huge orange ball of fire, slowly dipping down into the dark waters of the evening.
Everyday is an adventure in Negril. Some days consist of simply nothing. Chilling cliff side, snorkelling, or taking a dip in the pool; it’s just nice to relax and take in all the sights, smells and sounds of this beautiful island.
Early each morning the locals go by, heading to set up their establishments for the day to day runnins’. Cars pull up with their wares in tow. Next door I can see the vendor setting up an array of colourful towels, sarongs and tote bags for sale. Jamaica is beautiful and the colourful wares that line the narrow road up and down the west end are much the same. Red, green, black and yellow, Bob Marley faces, rasta heads, bright beaded bracelets, all of these colours are unique to this island. Most days we spend time chatting and reasoning with the locals and friends who we have come to know.
This is what Jamaica is all about.
Palm Grove Sunday school was open the next day when we walked down to the local store. From a distance I could see the groundskeeper working around the yard and I then noticed the back doors were wide open. I decided to walk in and take a look around. I stood at the back at noticed the woman sitting at the front of the church behind a table. The table was covered in a pretty white crocheted tablecloth, covered with books, bibles and a gold plated donation plate.. I glanced around the church and only caught a glimpse of one man sitting in the pews. The woman at the front looked up at me, smiled and waved me forward. I wasn’t dressed for church but she seemed undaunted by my appearance. I walked up to the table and greeted the woman. She had a vibrant smile; her face lighting up as she quickly asked me,
“How are you doing today?”
I smiled back and told her that I was fine. This sweet lady looked as cool as a cucumber, and I could tell by the look on her face, she knew I was feeling the heat of the day. I kept pulling my hair up and off the nap of my neck. I felt sticky and was looking desperately around for a breeze through the open doors.
It was damn hot!
I noticed she was wearing a black jumper over a white blouse and a black bonnet perched on her head. She looked lovely. I wiped my brow as I felt the sweat dripping into my eyes. She glanced back and forth from her desk and paperwork, then up to me and said,
“Have a seat dear.”
She introduced herself as Miss Harris and for the next few minutes we engaged in a casual conversation. I told her that I had brought a quad cane which I had in my office some time. I mentioned that I worked with the elderly, but felt that someone in Negril could use it more. A big grin came over her face as she said to me,
“ Our Miss Daisy is in need of a good cane.”
As I stood to leave and catch a small breeze through the open doors, I again noticed the donation plate in full view at the front of the table. I reached into my purse and put the few dollars that I had with me into the plate. Miss Harris thanked me, then asked me to sign their guest list. Her last request was that I return on Sunday to meet Miss Daisy. She told me that she arrives like clockwork, each and every Sunday on time, and that I could meet her then.
Miss Harris walked me down the aisle of the beautiful church and we exchanged pleasantries and blessings. I assured her that I would see her again on Sunday. I left the church that day with a wonderful feeling. My heart was open to giving and I knew that this reach would be about helping others, even if in a small way, I knew it would be a start of helping the elderly.
Our vacation flew by as usual and Sunday was upon us. It was another scorcher of a day, and I wanted to wear something sleeveless to walk down the road to the church. My husband looked over at me as I put on a summer dress and it wasn’t long before he went to ask the advise and approval of the staff and housekeepers. We have known these women for many years, so they arrived to voice their opinion on my proper church attire.
A few years back, we made the trip to Sav La Mar to visit our friend in the hospital. Not knowing then that they had a dress code, I was not allowed to enter the hospital in a tank top. Now, that was a first, but our friend Champ quickly gave me ’the shirt off his back’. My husband was reflecting back to that day, and didn’t think that it would be acceptable to go sleeveless. OK, I was resigned to the fact that it was Sunday, church would be full and that I needed to wear a top with sleeves over my shoulders.
After finding a suitable top and showering yet again to cool off, I grabbed the quad cane and I was on my way down the road. The church was only a few minutes from where we stayed, so I was there in no time. I was warmly greeted again with a huge smile from Miss Harris and she introduced me to a few others who were there. The place was virtually empty and she told me that they never know who will show up on any given Sunday. I sat again in the front pew and in less than five minutes, a car pulled up with Miss Daisy.
I turned to the back of the church as I saw a senior man walking in with Miss Daisy on his arm. I stood up and was taken aback by this sweet, beautiful elderly woman. She was dressed in a blue and white cotton dress, her hair tucked under a lovely hat and she wore a smile from ear to ear. The gentleman slowly walked her to the front of the church as Miss Harris came out from behind the table to greet her.
Miss Harris didn’t waste any time in telling Miss Daisy that I was here to give her a gift. Miss Daisy looked over at me as I stood to show her the cane. She was instantly overcome with emotion as her jaw dropped and the corners of her mouth slowly lifted to a wide smile. I put the cane by her side and told her that it was adjustable and I set it for her tall stature. She grabbed the handle and started to walk around the front of the church.
That was a moment I will never forget. She was beside herself with excitement and kept saying out loud,
“The lord is looking out for me. He is taking care of me.”
I was a little lost for words but I was enjoying the excitement Miss Daisy was showing. After a few moments, Miss Harris had to tell Miss Daisy to sit down because she was worried about her falling.
I didn’t stay long, but I took the time to have a chat with Miss Daisy and her family and her life. What a beautiful woman she was. I noticed her soft, smooth skin barely showed any signs of aging. She wanted to tell me as much as she could about her life and I was an eager listener. I touched her hand with mine and I instantly felt the warmth and softness of a woman who loved life.
I left the church that day with a renewed sense of well being. Our elders have so much to offer us in this world, and when I took time to listen to Miss Daisy, I realized she was a woman with great inner strength. Her quiet demeanour, her soft spoken manner, and her zest for life was so inspiring.
I was fortunate again this Sunday, to meet 'Miss Daisy' while passing by the Palm Grove Sunday school. She looked as lovely as ever dressed in a crisp, cool blue flowered dress, along with her accessories, and her hair tucked neatly under a nice summer hat. Her face revealed very little signs of aging since the last time I saw her. She was still holding tight to the quad cane I brought her, and told me that she thinks of me every time she uses it.
She is a refined woman and has the faith and spirit we all strive for in this life. I felt tears well up in my eyes as we shared words and smiles.
This is the Jamaica I have come to know and love.
Much of the islands’ beauty is seen in the gorgeous blue waters, lush greenery and vibrant sunsets, but the real beauty lies in the faces of the elderly.
Hardship, challenges, daily struggles is reality, but the simple pleasures of life can be seen in every etched fine line, facial wrinkle and behind every smile.
This is the true beauty and the real essence of Jamaica and can be found in the souls of its hard working people, and I was lucky enough to find that true beauty in Miss Daisy.
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