Daddy took in so many young men as apprentices, especially those from dire situations. He helped to restore their sense of self-worth by teaching them a trade and sent them out into the world equipped to handle what came their way.
He was patient in sharing his knowledge. He did not brook foolishness but he enjoyed a good joke and his laughter was infectious.
He would tell us stories and he was always interested in what we were learning at school.
Recently I met a man who moved to America from our home country, Jamaica. As I always do, I began asking where he lived and if he knew my parents. The conversation went like this:
“Do you know any Christies?” I asked him, using my maiden name.
“Yes!” he answered.
“My parents ran buses from St. Ann’s Bay to Mandeville for years,” I replied. “The bus was called Northern Light.”
Oh my goodness. His reply was boisterous! “Mr. Norbert is your father? Ms. Frances is your mother? Say what!!” Then he began to rub his head. I knew then that he was trying to control his emotions in order to get the rest of his story out.
He then went on to tell me how much my parents had helped his family over the years. When he needed to get to school, or help with buying textbooks, they were there. Once they had a load of lumber that had to be transported to prevent it from being stolen and they came through for him. He kept saying how very grateful he was for them.
My mother was in tears as I recounted the story.
You see even though Daddy is no longer here with us, his legacy continues in so many whom he helped along the way.
In my life, I endeavor to live a life as he taught us – by sharing and caring; by smiling and offering a hand up; by supporting others in their ventures and most of all by cheering others as they are doing exploits.
Daddy may be gone but he will never be forgotten!
Follow me on Twitter @carolcbailey
Carol C. Bailey is the editor of BOLD & SAVVY Magazine, and a lifelong Daddy's Girl. You can follow her on Twitter @CarolBailey
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