Category Global health and disparities
FMM 8 30 2024 Better to Give
“We may give without loving, but we cannot love without giving.” ~ Bernard Meltzer. When I moved to South Florida in the late 70’s, it was the third big cultural shift I had made in my young (ish) life. My first move had been the most dramatic, emigrating from England to Jamaica at the age […]
FMM 8 23 2024 Keep the Faith
“As I get older, the more I stay focused on the acceptance of myself and others, and choose compassion over judgment and curiosity over fear.” ~ Tracee Ellis Ross. I have a confession to make. On Friday mornings I get up with my phone, with notes to myself as my guide for what I will […]
FMM 8 16 2024 One Drop
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” ~ Marcus Garvey. I became a teenager at a time of racial upheaval in the USA. It coincided with the growing consciousness (‘woke’-ness) in Jamaica of young people of African descent. Rastafarianism and awareness of African culture […]
FMM 8 9 2024 Better than she Ought to Be
“I say be careful what you teach the little childrenMake sure a nuh something to hurt themMind what yuh say to mi sistaShe could be the next Prime Minister” ~ Tony Rebel. My maternal great-grandfather was a self-made man. He left school early (as they did in those days) to be a bricklayer’s apprentice. He […]
FMM 8 2 2024 What’s Love got to do With it?
“Father, fatherWe don’t need to escalateYou see, war is not the answerFor only love can conquer hate.” ~ Marvin Gaye. Twenty-five years ago, before my father started to show evidence of cognitive decline, one of my nephews got married. Three generations of the family were represented, and my father, although he no longer officiated at […]
FMM 7 5 2024 Off Grid, Off your Head?
“Vows made in storms are forgotten in calm.” ~ Thomas Fuller. I have no recollection of my first severe weather event. Growing up first in the UK, in Manchester, rain was an ever present fact of life. But it was mostly the persistent, miserable drizzle kind of rain, raindrops so fine they could be more […]
6 21 2024 In the Garden
“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” ~ Khalil Gibran. In the midst of my current whirlwind schedule, I am having a hard time knowing where I am. It only lasts a moment or two on waking up, as I try […]
FMM 6 7 2024 Jamaica Medz
“Many of us have been running all our lives. Practice stopping.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh. I have always been a morning person, early to rise (also, early to bed!). It has never been a challenge for me to be up with the roosters, or even (as they say in Jamaica) before ‘cock put on ‘im […]
FMM 5 24 2024 A Ton of Bricks
“The very ink with which history is written is merely fluid prejudice.” ~ Mark Twain. They say confession is good for the soul. I was an Elvis fan from early. You could say I had a celebrity crush on him, and even had a postcard sized head shot in black and white pinned on my […]