THE YEAR 2016 has ended and a new one has begun. Phew! Boy oh boy, what a year!
There were times of absolute happiness and gratification, some painful disappointments and some moments that could only be seen as times for teachable lessons.
These were not ad hoc experiences but events linked to, and emanating from, professional, sports, social, cultural and special personal occasions. Every experience created opportunities for transformation and transcendence driven by integrity and immense pride.
As I reflect on the individuals and actions that influenced me in 2016, I am filled with pride on the unmatched achievements of the West Indies Under 19, Women and Senior cricket teams as well as our outstanding athletes at the Rio Olympics. They lifted the spirits of an entire region.
I am also touched by the successes of some of the young children with whom I had spent the last three years. Yahandge Daniel and some of the other wonderful children from my lessons groups as well as my new found children from Parkinson are now etched in my psyche.
My heart pumps with special beats when I recall my then four-year-old granddaughter playing Mary Had A Little Lamb for me on her keyboard. I pinched myself a couple of times to verify that I was living the moment at the grandparents’ day at her school. Kiddy Goat Heaven.
Reading my daughter’s New York teacher evaluation was monumental to me. I had never received nor given one like that. Based on what I read, she is seen as a most dedicated and all-round complete teacher. Such projection of excellence is legacy-building for me.
On the last day of my forty-and-a-half year career in education, I was forced to think of how royalty felt in their personal lives. The entire Parkinson family came together to give me a most memorable retirement send-off. I will forever be indebted to them for such kindness.
During the year, I was taught the difference between a relationship and an involvement (professionally and in life). One is driven by loyalty (trust and passion); the other depends on privacy (secrecy and transience) for survival. To seek coalescence between them would create too heavy a task to force on anyone. It must be all of one or none of either.
I will never deny the fact that my ego was significantly massaged when I was invited by the umbrella youth leadership group to give the feature address at their annual conference. This was replicated when a similar invitation came from the Barbados Association of Reading. I thank them immensely for their recognition of my work and ability.
It was hurtful to realise that I had to turn my back on a friendship that meant a lot to me. In life, all must pay either the price of disappointment or the price of regret. I chose the former thereby upholding my values and not compromising my integrity or reducing who or what I am.
As the year came to an end, the wretch known as cancer forced itself into my lane. It took the life of a good friend and has left one of my dearest cousins now fighting the battle of her life. Hence, my first prayer for the New Year is that this incorrigible villain is conquered and quickly.
I do not recall a year in which so many celebrities in the sports and entertainment world have died. These include icons like Muhammad Ali, Peter Short, Tony Cozier, Prince, David Bowie, Carrie Fisher, Doris Roberts (I loved her) and my friend Clarence Thompson. Such loss!
I now encourage one and all to forget the disappointments and failures of 2016 and let success and optimism define 2017. Goodbye 2016; you pleased me, you hurt me, but you have also taught me well.
Happy New Year to all as we look forward to many emotional highs in 2017.
Jeff Broomes is an experienced educator, principal and community organiser who also served as vice president of the BCA and director of the WICB. Email: [email protected]
