Letter of the Day | Salute the unsung heroes

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The month of May ushers in reflections on children, mothers and their principal caregivers – teachers and nurses.

The celebration of graduation ceremonies sees many mothers wearing shoes as ‘handbags’. Their children were early, those handbags they travelled with them everywhere. Consequentially all that was stuffed in those pockets and purse, was poured in love to their offspring from head to toe. The shoes they hold today are a symbolic statement of the relief to finally being able to have that disposable income to purchase a couple of pairs. Decades of flip flops help them to now graduate to close toed diamond like glittering footwear.

Some criticise the dress up and bling as mania. But for many the “step up” of their own status in their children achieving dreams is the joy now that had evaded their own spaces. It is a time of great rejoicing. To be successful in exams that will place one in a relay race for gold rather than just be a paying without benefits spectator is worthy of rejoicing!

Mama knows the sacrifice she makes! Do not “usurp the mother”!

Those who provide the support systems must be praised. These persons include paediatricians who burnt midnight oil to administer medical interventions. The Department of Child Health of the University of the West Indies deserves that special praise. The heads of the department have spearheaded novel methodologies including the Child Passport which documents all the major milestone of child development.

This Child Month must see Jamaica embracing of the knowledge of this specialist area which is the most complex. Children at each age group require highly trained individuals who truly understand paediatric language. It is a divine profession that requires attention to minor details, but which are very important to dissect and treat.

So big up to all mamas across the country. We are grateful for your fathers too, especially the skilled obstetrics professionals who stork-line land our babies on our shores and in our hands.

Auntie, big woman, take the compliment, showered on me recently at “Big School” (an affectionate title for UWI) –. “Lady mi love how di maturity an focus ah glow pan yuh... keep doing what you ah do...”

LIGHTA MAMA