Proud of our past humble beginnings

Throughout life, we have all heard stories from grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles about their struggles in the past. Stories about going to school barefooted with a two-inch pencil and a copy book that was already filled with writing, and stories of hiding in a goat pen because that book had no more room for writing will be etched in my memory forever. I am certain older folks would know what it is like to have to explain to one’s parents how one lost that two-inch pencil, if one did. There are things in life that we do not like to remember. Things like those that I just stated may bring back painful memories, happy memories or maybe both, to some of you. Whenever anyone goes back to the old time days and recalls incidents like these to me, I cherish it. Sometimes they may say, “I don’t like remembering those days, they were too hard.”

But it is at times like these that we must be thankful for those experiences. We must remember that it is because of their struggles we are where  we are today, and who we are today. Because of those horrible experiences and those days of what we all know as “hell” we are better people who know the value of the things we have worked so hard to achieve. Because of those experiences you are able to give to your children what you never had and at the same time pass down those values that you have gained through your experiences. Those values are priceless. A well-known professor at the University of West Indies, St Augustine campus said at a family reunion that he has a picture of his grandparents hanging prominently in his living room. In the black and white photograph his grandmother is barefooted and his grandfather wears shoes.

This, he said, shows the sacrifice that was made for his parents and ultimately, him, and the reason he gave for having that picture in his living room was amazing. He said, “this is so that anytime anyone comes into my house they would know right away that this is where I came from.” This, I believe, is quite admirable. It is important that we all remember where we came from, the point at which we started and never be ashamed of it. We must remember the struggle our parents had to face to raise us and we should be proud of it. It shows their courage, and will power and it shows how to overcome trials in our life. It also aids in realising just how much we have achieved and how much progress we have made throughout the years.

Remembering where we started and sharing it with the youths will encourage them to keep trying. They will realise that what they are going through right now may turn out to be stepping-stones to their future success. They will understand that their troubles are not long term and they will overcome them and will someday be the great persons they desire to be. Just listening to the professor speak made me hold firm to the memories of my past and the stories of my ancestors’ past.

We should all promise to be a reflection of the struggles of our ancestors. We should always remember where they came from and most importantly that we came from them and they struggled for us... to mould us into what we are today. Not only will this help the youths to persevere, but it will help us to keep going as well. It will help us to remember that if our ancestors could overcome the trauma of slavery and indentureship, then there is nothing that we cannot do. They had broad backs and strong back bones and so do we. Cherish our past, be proud of it and keep passing on the stories to every generation. They are priceless gems that all started with humble beginnings.