 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
speaking, we’ll be flying over Cuba in five minutes and in another hour we’ll be landing in Kingston Jamaica. The current temperature in Kingston is 86
degrees F. Let me take this opportunity to remind you to complete your declaration forms and be sure to observe the fasten seat belt signs, enjoy the
remainder of the flight and thank you for flying Air Jamaica.”
I had mixed emotions about this trip but after hearing the pilot’s pleasant voice my heart fluttered with excitement in anticipation of being home again. This
was no ordinary visit; it was all for mama’s special day, even though being with my mama is always special.
I leaned forward and gazed down at the tropical vegetation below. From this distance what I presumed to be the tobacco and or sugarcane fields of Cuba
appeared like horizontal lines of greenery. As the land disappeared, I stared in awe at the spotless white clouds that resembled gigantic wads of cotton balls.
Beyond them the clear blue skies appeared to blend in with the somewhat turquoise blue Caribbean Sea. My eyes watered from the brightness of it all and I
was compelled to reach for my sunglasses. My stomach suddenly flip-flopped as the airplane started its descent. The white sand beaches were now coming
into view appearing like an unending lace bordering the sea of blue. The warm sensation on the bottom of my feet caused me to twiddle my toes as I recalled
the warm sand massaging my feet that last time I walked on the beach.
The stewardess tapped me on the shoulder and handed me a declaration form that I would need for the Jamaican Customs. With pen in hand I listed the items
in my carry on luggage. I scribbled with hesitancy - one bridal gown. I sighed quietly because I was still in disbelief that my mother the most giving caring
and considerate person on this planate would agree to marry Papa John. If angels are really among us then God knows my mama must be one. I was still
trying to fathom where she got the strength to survive the pains, hurts and disappointment that seemed to stay in her life like a plague. All my childhood years,
I looked forward to the day when I could treat her to her first vacation. I wanted to get her away from Papa John even for a little while. My idea was for her
to visit me in Connecticut so that I could pamper her, but I already know that he would never agree for her to leave him unless he was a part of the deal.
There was no way that I would agree to that. I sighed, trying to release the pit in my chest as the worse telephone call of my life surfaced in my mind. I was
in such a deep sleep that at first I didn’t recognize her voice. “Who’s this?” I asked. There were a few moments of silence because she didn’t even hear the
question. “Mama?” she was so pumped up with excitement that I didn’t know who she was. “It’s me.” Lynette chile! Papa John popped the question last
night.” “Question?” I responded trying to clear up my confusion. In a somewhat calmer voice she repeated. “What I meant was, Papa John asked me to
marry him and of course I said YES!!” in that moment I could feel the energy leave my body. I was heartbroken and stunned. My mother went on to
describing the type of wedding dress she wanted me to buy for her. She made it very clear that this was going to be a wedding the people in Coral Reefs
would never forget. Mama wanted me to buy everything in America. “Of course you will help me with the wedding plans my daughter” she continued in a
stern parental voice. “Yes mama, sure mama” I kept repeating over and over as she rattled off her requests. I didn’t want to dampen her spirits so I tried my
best to sound excited for her. We said our goodbyes and as I placed the telephone on the receiver I had an instant headache. “WHY? WHY?” “How could
mama want to pledge to love Papa John for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer,” I pondered, when she already lived through the worse and the poor.”
Mama was getting married for the first time on her sixty fifth birthday after shacking up for twenty years with a man who never showed her any love,
affection or respect. Oh! How I wished that my mind could erase the ugly memories. I still remember how Papa John always bullied Mama demanding three
freshly cooked meals every day and how he made it clear that his shirts had to be lightly starched before they were ironed. He would disappear for days at a
time dared not ask any questions when he returned. As if that wasn’t enough, my poor mama was also expected to wait on his friends who always seemed to
show up unexpectedly. Even though I was a child, when I watched my mama take all of this mental abuse without saying a mumbling word, it made me very
angry inside. I felt so much frustration that I wanted to get away from it all. I often thought about asking her permission to live with one of my aunts. Now, I
realize that my mother had to be a very strong woman. She had a very high tolerance level. Mama managed to hold her head high in the midst of her trials.
She didn’t allow Papa John or any of the gossip in the community to destroy her.
“Flight attendants please prepare for landing.” That announcement from the Pilot brought me back to reality. With my eyes closed I held on tightly to the seat
and braced myself, trying to prevent my stomach from flip-flopping during the landing. I anticipated the bump and breathed a sigh of relief when the
passengers applauded. It was a smooth landing. I picked up my bags and stood in the isle, anxiously waiting my turn to get off the plane. “Aren’t you Netty’s
daughter?” I turned my head and looked into the eyes of a neatly dressed middle-aged woman. “Ye…s I said with a puzzled frown on my face. “I see you
don’t remember me huh?” “I’m Sandy, an old friend of Papa John’s. That name rang a bell. I couldn’t help but stare at her as my brain went in a recall mode.
“I’m sure we’ve met.” I said slowly “Of course we’ve met my dear; I’ve been to your house so many times. Perhaps you don’t remember, “But I’ll never
forget your mom’s cooking.” Ms. Sandy continued smiling. I eyed her suspiciously. Could this be the same Sandy that mama used to accuse Papa John of
dating on the side? “I guess you’re here for the wedding,” she said chirpily. I nodded reluctantly. “So am I, Papa John never ceases to amaze me, I was very
surprised when he told me he was marrying your mother because not too many people end up marrying their maid. Your mother must have a lot of patience
to have worked for Papa John all of these years and still want to marry him.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I was so angry at Papa John that I felt
like a knife was twisting around in my gut. I just kept staring at Ms. Sandy without expression, as she babbled on and on. I hardly heard anything she said all I
knew was that I felt a deep shame that shattered my sense of pride and self-confidence. I wished my Mama hadn’t made this stupid decision. My mind
clouded with the sound of Papa John’s voice bragging to his friends that my Mama was his maid. One thing I knew for sure there was no way that I could
repeat any of this to Mama.
Ms. Sandy had a distinct melodious sound to her voice and I started to recall her last visit to my house. Papa John had introduced her as his old classmate and
asked Mama to make them some fish tea. Mama must have suspected that something was not right because her usual smile disappeared and as she prepared
the meal I saw tears in her eyes. Even though I was a child, deep inside I wished I could have done something anything to make her feel better but it was all
out of my control. “Yes” I almost said out loud. “Were you the one who came to my house and brought a whole bunch of clothes for Papa John?” “That
would have been me.” She responded. “Why are you looking at me so strangely?” She inquired. I managed to crack a smile and shook my head. I
remembered being in the kitchen with mama and going back to my room to get a book. I was not prepared for what I saw. Ms. Sandy was sitting on Papa
John’s lap and they were lost in a very passionate embrace. I felt sick to my stomach. Why did Papa John deem it necessary to take his woman to our house
while my mother cooked for them? My chest tightened and the pain in my heart was unbearable. I had to get out of there. I slipped quietly through the back
door and just kept walking, walking, walking. I headed for the riverbanks where I could have some solitude. I sat there for hours throwing pebbles in the
water and watching schools of hungry “river mullets” rush towards the pebbles looking for food.
Ms. Sandy nudged me in my side. “Are you listening to me or daydreaming?” she remarked. Before I could respond we both realized that they had opened the
door and the other passengers were rushing to get off of the plane. I grabbed my luggage and joined the line. I tried to get away from Ms. Sandy but that was
impossible. The woman was right on my heel and kept right on talking. We joined the customs line together, and I was relieved that the “yellow line” rule
distracted her. Since I was still in front of her I was first to get my passport stamped. Without hesitation or even looking behind, I headed for the baggage
claim area. Luckily for me my suitcases were already there. I hurried over to the counter to get my suitcases checked. What a relief it was when the customs
officer signaled me to keep on going. I went straight through to the exit.
It was mid afternoon and the hot, humid tropical air embraced me. I stood for a few moments so my eyes could adjust to the tropical brightness. I gazed at
the many faces waiting patiently for their loved ones hoping to find Mama. I stepped forward and yes that all too familiar smile caught my eye. It was mama!!
Her arms were wide open as we ran towards one another. Mama’s sweet embrace made my trip worthwhile. Papa John stood for a moment and smiled
quietly. He got busy getting my suitcases then he nodded for us to follow him to his car. The drive home seemed to take half the time because mama and I
couldn’t stop laughing and chatting about old times. Of course we talked about the wedding, and all we were going to do before I went back to the United
States. The “silent river” Papa John, was quiet as usual, he hardly said a word. If I didn’t know any different I would have thought that the man was a saint.
“Ho…ho” I chuckled softly to myself as the phrase” Silent River Runs Deep” came to mind. At least mama was more fortunate than most women; she
already knew about the pus in that bag!
Since it was two days before the wedding it came as no surprise that Mama had lots of last minute errands. Papa John was still whining about how tired he
was from his trip to the airport. Mama assured him that it was ok if he stayed home. It was just like old times, my mama and me. She really needed my help
and I was eternally grateful that I was there for her. We got home late that evening exhausted from a very busy day. As soon as we entered the house we
could hear laughter on the back verandah. “Which woman is that now?” Mama said in a disgusted tone of voice. The voice sounded very familiar but I didn’t
reply. I just shrugged my shoulders. Ms. Sandy suddenly entered the living room. Mama and I exchanged glances. My heart quivered and in that moment I
regretted not telling her about the incident on the plane. “Where have you ladies been?” she blurted out with a silly grin on her face. She got closer to Mama.
“Congratulations dear!” she continued putting her arm around Mama. “I just think it is so romantic that Papa John would end up marrying his maid after all
these years.” Where did you get that information?” Papa John bellowed angrily from the back door. “Wh…a..t do you mean?’ Ms. Sandy stammered, “You
were the one who told me she was your maid.” Ms. Sandy yelled back indignantly. “I have no reason to lie,” she continued. It was obvious that Mama was
getting upset. She turned towards Papa John, “Is that right!! You have people believing that I was your maid?” Papa John tried his best to remain calm. He
ignored Mama’s question. Ms. Sandy placed her hand on Mama’s shoulder. “I had no idea he was your man my dear, he lied to me! Let me repeat he told me
you were his maid and took advantage of me.” She turned to Papa John. “How many more lies have you told me?” I stood motionless as a gasp escaped my
lips. Papa John’s face was flushed with shame. He knew he had to get out of this sticky situation. “Get out of my house,” he yelled. “I’ll be glad to as soon as
you pay me for the tuxedo you begged me to buy for your wedding.” “Please, Please stop,” Mama, said with her voice shaking as if she was on the verge of
tears. Papa John tried to comfort mama. “Get out Sandy! Before I call the police.” He repeated. “I’ll be happy to leave John, your best days are behind you
John, because they were with me.” Ms. Sandy said sarcastically. She stormed out the door yelling threats at Papa John. Mama was so upset that tears rolled
down her face. For the first time I saw Papa John speak to my mother with humility and respect. He even held her hand “I’m sorry for all that I’ve done to
you. My relationship with Sandy was a long time ago and I don’t remember what I said or did not say. Papa John started glancing nervously in my direction
obviously trying to read my thoughts. “Nothing like this will ever happen again.” “Lynette,” he continued, “I also owe you an apology. I can’t imagine what
you went through seeing your mother being treated badly. I love you as if you were my own child Lynette, and I promise, that things are going to be
different. I assure you that from now on; I’m going to take good care of your mother. There is nothing else to do because all we have is each other, and I
treasure that.” I was stunned; I had to pinch myself to make sure it wasn’t all a dream. I hugged Papa John for the first time and he whispered, “I’m sorry.”
Even though I had some reservations about his new attitude I was hopeful that things would turn around for my mother’s sake.
The wedding went off without a hitch. Mama made a beautiful bride, and it was obvious that this was the happiest day of her life. Papa John looked very
handsome in the tuxedo (Ms. Sandy bought him).
The newly weds did not go on a honeymoon so I spent the last few days of my vacation with them. When we said our goodbyes this time it was different.
Mama and I had a quiet moment together and I reassured her that if Papa John didn’t follow through she had a home with me in Connecticut.
