No funds required to give joy

Excerpt from Observer column for MON 29 Dec 2014

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

 

There is something even the most budget-challenged among us can share … the joy of the season. One of the most precious childhood memories I have is that of my jovial Uncle Melvin giving us piggy-back rides. Those were the days when there were far fewer digital distractions.  The challenge to today’s adults is to disengage from our gadgets and engage with our little ones who respond so enthusiastically to simple games, jokes, and hugs. 

 

Something fun and something to read .. members of the PROComm Team treat our scholars from Grant's Pen. www.procomm.com.jm

Years ago, we had a learning pause when colleague Milverton Smith related the serious illness of his child and his total focus on her recovery. He said that suddenly, such things as school reports and GSAT exams became minor, as he and his wife prayed for their daughter’s healing.  Thankfully, she recovered. 

Milverton’s sharing helped us to be loving first and foremost, even as we tried to instill the right values in our children. In fact, with generous helpings of love, laughter and affirmation during the season, January will see a more confident child, grounded in your unconditional love, and ready to face the challenges of academia and other activities.

Make time to give your elders fun experiences - this lady had fun modelling at CCRP sponsored Grandparents Day event www.ccrponline.org

Our elderly relatives also require this affirmation. Our mothers, fathers, guardians, once independent leaders of the family, may now be getting unsteady on their feet and a bit forgetful.  This is the time to recall all the efforts they put into making our childhood better and our future brighter.  As we reflect on their sacrifices, we become moved to embrace them with greater love and understanding. 

It is important that our children know the sacrifices of their grandparents, especially those whom we professional folks would call on to do baby-sitting, knowing that adoring Grandma and Grandpa would leave no stone unturned to make their grandchildren happy and comfortable (like Grandmother Robinson in the White House).  Your children may have been too young to recall those days, and so you should recount them, encouraging patience and respect for their elders.