Going Back to My Roots
This week has been a journey of faith, and I truly believe God has been guiding me to depend on Him completely. When we focus on His goodness, He orders our steps and brings people into our lives to offer favor just when we need it.
As mentors, it’s important to remember that our life experiences, especially the dramatic and challenging ones, prepare us to minister to others. These experiences are opportunities to encourage others without judgment, sharing how God’s mercy brought us through.
This week, I finally went back to Kingston to retrace my roots. I started from the place I remembered when I was 9 years old. Though the area has changed and is now bustling with people, I found the house I grew up in on East Rd. Kingston. The yard, once spacious, now felt congested with additional houses, and a lady was selling goods in front of the gate. It was a stark reminder of how much life changes.
I recalled the corner store, now replaced by something else, and the yard where Ms. Hammond lived, where my mother used to leave me when she worked. I learned Ms. Hammond had passed away, and new people had filled the space we once occupied. Revisiting the past brought a sense of gratitude for my current life. It made me realize how far I’ve come, thanks to God’s guidance.
Seeing old places and faces, including past lovers and friends, brought bittersweet memories. It made me reflect on my youthful naivety and the gratitude I now feel for life’s journey.
Retracing my mother’s home, she’s been gone for 30 years, was poignant. It had been a long time since I slept at her house in Waterford, St. Catherine. I had often made excuses for not doing this or that, but now I saw how my family had grown and changed. My niece and brother, along with Junior’s son Rohan, had all become adults with their own families. Life moves on, and it’s important to cherish these moments of growth.
Ms. Rosie’s advice to “just make it happen” resonated with me. If you’re reading this, take a moment to call a family member. Even if they don’t respond positively, at least you tried. Don’t wait until it’s too late to connect.
After leaving Portmore with my cousin Vern, we visited his mother in Old Harbour. My 83-year-old aunt was thrilled to see me, reminding her of my mother. Everyone remarked how much I looked like my mother, especially with my naturally curly hair. We enjoyed a wonderful visit, and I also saw my cousin Uley, who has a cute clothing shop nearby.
I spent the weekend with Carol, chilling with her grandson and my niece Camille, who has grown beautifully. Although the picture with my sister didn’t turn out well, I cherish the memory.
The week ended with a bit of adventure. Carol took me to the bus stop to catch a bus to Montego Bay, but after waiting two hours, I learned the last bus had already left. I had to take a bus to Ocho Rios and then connect to Montego Bay. It was a long ride, and I discovered the driver overcharged me. I bravely asked for my change, and he returned it, albeit reluctantly.
Starting my journey at 7 am from Old Harbour to Ocho Rios to Montego Bay, I finally arrived around 4 pm, exhausted but grateful. I love Montego Bay, and my goal is to explore all 14 parishes (towns) in Jamaica.
Enjoy this quote: “Never let what you cannot do stop you from doing what you CAN do!” – Stephen Pierce
By Sharon Kerr