Whole heap of special days come between May and June. Mother's Day, Teacher's Day, Father's Day, Education Week, Child Month and much more.
I can't even go into naming all the others. Counting the special days would put my head in a spatial daze. Adding up the weeks would make even Samson weak. Yeah, the intentions behind the special days are noble. From where I sit, they've really become nothing more than opportunities for cloying insincerity and annoying commercialism.
Awkward for some people
Plus, I find that Mother's Day and Father's Day can be awkward for people who didn't grow up with or have genuine relationships with those parents. Whappen to Granny Day and Grandpa Day? I could more relate to an Auntie Day. I grew up with my dearly departed Auntie who I still remember with a weird mix of fear and gratitude. Although Auntie never had any biological children of her own, she was mother to many. She had serious issues, so her parenting style was a contradictory blend of tender heart and violent hand. When I think hard, I can see the heart but it not easy to forget the hand.
Positive parenting
Frankly, I got most of my positive parenting from teachers. I know other Jamaicans who can relate to that reality. One of the many women who mothered me was one Miss Phyllis Welsh. She's still my hero. I met her as my grade 3 teacher in primary school. She was the first person to put me on a stage. More importantly, she taught me that love is an action word. She was a model of care, concern and commitment. It wasn't just me. She did it for hundreds of other children in over 40 year of exemplary work; first as a teacher, then later as principal of Trench Town Primary. I haven't spoken to her for a while, but I always remember her on Teacher's Day, Mother's Day, even Father's Day.
Anyway, Father's Day drawing nigh again. As Alton Ellis say 'ooh yeah, Sunday coming!' Yeah man, is this Sunday.
We all know that fathers don't usually get enough big-ups and their day usually not so special. So, I want to send a hail to all fathers still; especially that one who's being such a wonderful dad to my granddaughter Rejalla.
I have to also thank her mother for giving dad space and opportunity to play his role. Respect due!
Beyond biology
Parents are special. There's something especially special about people like Auntie. teachers like Miss Welsh and many grandparents, step-parents and adopted parents. They prove parenting goes way beyond biology. They remind us that you don't have to give birth to a child or impregnate a woman to be a genuine, effective parent. It's more about giving and loving.
Yeah man. it's the deeds that make you a parent, not the genes. We don't need special days to remember that.
Tanya Stephens'What a Day'
Actually, the special day I could really do with is the kind of day we all look forward to the day that Tanya Stephens sings about so eloquently and passionately in What a Day. Yu know di song? You should check the lyrics.
Trust me, it's a really stirring piece of work and I love it. Then again, I absolutely love everything Tanya does. She's a stirring piece of work herself extremely talented, intelligent, courageous and, look here nuh, one day I'll tell you more 'bout how I feel about that little singer lady there with the gap between her front teeth but that's another story. It may even need a special day!
box-mi-back@hotmail.com
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