I am from boiled, fried and baked fish. Johnny cakes, pigeon pea soup, Gouda cheese, soursop bush tea, and chicken curry roti. I am from smells of coconut tart baking on Christmas Eve before the early Christmas morning church service. Oxtails, rice and peas and fried plantains. I am from a cold bottle of Vitamalt and Sate potato from the Chinese restaurant.  I am from Carnival time although from the sidelines. I am from performing in concerts and plays. I am from organs and jazz bands, soca and calypso, hymns and choruses, harsh feedback and loving support.  I am from studying for CXC exams using lamps filled with kerosene.

I am from "Who doan here, gon feel," "Manners tek you round the world," "Land doan spoil," "Seasons Greetings," "Gyal, you hear dat?" "Mawning, G’afternoon and G’evening” greetings wherever I go. I am from, "Your attitude determines your altitude." I am from Goedemorgen and Bonjour. I am from crickets chirping at night and quiet mornings before the cock crows.

I am from Mommy and Daddy. The wisest, most humble and loving people you could ever meet. One gruff, one sweet. I am from sisterly love from my one and only sister who is accepting, witty, wise and understanding. I am from Saturday mornings singing with a choir in Juffrow's house. Minor chords, harmonies and discipline. I am from Saturday afternoons singing with the church choir. Bass guitar, drums, keyboard, laughter and rides home with friends in the back of a blue pickup truck. 

I am from hard work, tears, faith and dreams.