July started off with a bang—or more accurately, with a crash. Picture this: I’m lounging in my hammock on the balcony, basking in the warm Caribbean breeze, chatting away with my girlfriend about the usual everyday stuff. It was one of those idyllic moments where everything feels perfectly in place. And then, without warning, I’m on the floor, flat on my back, getting a rough introduction to the abrasive floor tiles beneath me. Gravity, as it turns out, had other plans for my morning.
Now, if you remember, June wasn’t kind to my back either. I’d thrown it out, and just as it was starting to recover, here I was, laid out again, courtesy of my own hammock. I guess you could say my back was getting a double dose of “alignment”—once from my own clumsiness and once from gravity’s cruel sense of humor. Needless to say, I was in no condition to do much of anything, let alone prepare for the potential hurricane that was looming on the horizon.
The Hurricane That Almost Was
Living in Trinidad and Tobago, we’re used to being tucked safely in the southern part of the Caribbean, far from the usual hurricane paths. Natural disasters are usually something we read about happening elsewhere, not here. So when Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm—the first of her kind in June and the earliest ever recorded—set her sights on our twin-island nation, we were more than a little worried.
Beryl was a strange one, breaking records and making us all feel more than a little uneasy. The last time a hurricane even brushed by us was in 2004 with Hurricane Ivan, and before that, you’d have to go all the way back to 1963 when Hurricane Flora made landfall. My mother, who was just a child at the time, still has vivid memories of Flora’s fury.
As Beryl bore down on the Caribbean, she left a trail of destruction in her wake. Our neighbors—Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados—weren’t so lucky. Entire communities were devastated, cities plunged back into darkness with no electricity, fresh water, or internet. It was like watching a disaster movie unfold in real life, and we were next in line.
I’ll tell you, waiting for that hurricane to hit was nerve-wracking. Watching it tear through places like Carriacou, which is just a stone’s throw from us, flattened in 30 minutes—it was surreal. But by some stroke of luck, Beryl decided she didn’t want to visit Trinidad after all. She threw a bit of a tantrum in Tobago but quickly moved on, off to wreak havoc elsewhere. We breathed a collective sigh of relief, but the experience was a stark reminder of how quickly life can change.
Reflecting on Mum’s Journey and Health
As I sit here, I can’t help but think back to this time last year when I took Mum on a trip that was truly unforgettable. We started off at a beautiful resort in Fort Lauderdale, where she got to relax and unwind. Then came the five-hour drive to Jacksonville, where we spent two days soaking in the sights. But the highlight of the trip was our stop in New York City.
In NYC, something extraordinary happened—Mum reunited with her estranged daughter after nearly three decades. It was a moment filled with so much emotion, a mixture of joy, relief, and a touch of sadness for the lost years. Meeting her grandchildren for the first time, she was over the moon, and I could see the joy in her eyes. We also visited some old friends who had settled in the city, adding another layer of warmth to the trip.
I’m so grateful that I was able to give her those experiences. It’s not just about the places we went; it’s about the memories we created, the bridges we rebuilt, and the love that flowed so freely during that time.
As for Mum’s health, she’s been diligently attending her doctor appointments and physical therapy sessions, and she’s making progress. Surgery is still on the table as a possibility, but for now, we’re focusing on what weight loss can do to alleviate some of her symptoms. The short-term solution may involve another epidural steroid injection, also known as a nerve root injection. You might remember I talked about this in April—it’s a procedure that’s helped her in the past, and we’re hopeful it will provide some relief again.
Through it all, I’m reminded of how strong she is and how important it is to cherish the moments we have together. Whether it’s a trip across the country or a simple day at home, every moment with Mum feels like a gift.
Forgiveness: A Journey I Didn’t Expect
Amidst all this chaos, something else was brewing—a strange compulsion I couldn’t shake. Out of nowhere, I felt the need to reach out to my ex. Now, if you know me, you’d know this is totally out of character. We didn’t part on the best terms, and honestly, I managed to keep him out of my mind. But suddenly, it was like my subconscious was screaming at me to check in on him.
I’ll be honest, the idea didn’t make much logical sense. Even after consulting my “friend panel” (who, by the way, unanimously agreed that this was a terrible idea), I still felt this nagging need to reach out. And so, against all advice, I did it.
I was nervous as I typed that message, but the moment I hit send, a strange sense of calm washed over me. There’s a saying that forgiveness isn’t for the other person, it’s for you, and in that moment, I truly understood what that meant. Our conversation was simple, but it was enough. I learned that he was doing well, and I realized I no longer harbored any ill will toward him. It was like a weight I didn’t even know I was carrying had been lifted.
This experience taught me something important: Sometimes, we mistake strength for stubbornness, and we let our egos get in the way of our humanity. Reaching out wasn’t about rekindling anything; it was about letting go, and in doing so, I found a sense of peace that I didn’t even know I needed.
Playing Technician and Supporting Young Entrepreneurs
This month, I had the unique opportunity to play technician again when duty calls, you step up, right? This time in a setting that was nothing short of magical—a local TV show being filmed at a castle. The castle itself was a sight to behold, with its grand architecture and enchanting atmosphere. But the real magic came from the young entrepreneurs who were there to pitch their businesses.
Imagine a group of kids, each with a spark in their eyes, standing up in front of a camera to share their dreams. It was a little less than a dozen of them, but their passion filled the entire space. The variety of businesses they presented was impressive, ranging from a hydroponic farm to a children’s book, an artist’s studio, a dessert shop, and more. Each pitch was a mix of excitement and nerves, with some tears of joy and anxiety sprinkled in for good measure.
It was one of those days that made you believe in the future. These kids weren’t just pitching ideas—they were sharing a piece of their hearts, and it was incredibly inspiring. Supporting young entrepreneurs is something I highly recommend, 10/10, without a doubt. It’s not just about business; it’s about nurturing the next generation of dreamers and doers
Battling Old Demons: Depression Makes a Comeback
But not everything in July was smooth sailing. Somewhere along the line, an old acquaintance decided to pay a visit—depression. It’s something I’ve struggled with for years, though most people wouldn’t know it. This time, it snuck up on me quietly, like a shadow creeping in when you’re not looking.
I found myself spending more time in bed than anywhere else. My sheets became my refuge, and I lost interest in everything—eating, working, even watching TV. I just wanted to be left alone, cocooned in my own world, disconnected from everything.
It wasn’t long before I realized I needed help, so I reached out to my old psychologist. After a few sessions, she referred me to a psychiatrist—the second one I’ve seen in my life. The first time was to help me overcome my fear of flying; this time, it’s to help me find my get-up-and-go again. I’ve got an appointment next month, so we’ll see how that goes.
Job Acceptance: A New Adventure Awaits
Now, let’s not forget the big news: I’m officially the new Regional Director for the Caribbean and Latin America for Sorghum United! Yep, that happened in July too. The emotions have been all over the place—pride, fear, excitement, and a whole lot of nerves. It seems quite manageable and aligns with both mine and my business goals.
This is a huge move for me, stepping into a role with this level of responsibility. It’s both thrilling and terrifying, but I’ve got a great support system in place, including you, dear reader. I know you’ve got my back, and that gives me the confidence to tackle this new challenge head-on.
Looking Ahead
So, July was a rollercoaster—both literally and figuratively. From falling flat on my back, to facing down a hurricane, reconnecting with the past, battling old demons, and stepping into a new role, it was a month I won’t soon forget. Here’s hoping August brings a little more calm, but knowing my luck, I’ll be in for another wild educational ride. Stay tuned!
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I identified so much with your July journey! Life is the most travelled yet bumpy road. Keep your chin up and your gravity centered lol! Looking forward to August!