Welcome Back Home (from Jamaica)

When we arrived at the resort, they said, “Welcome, home!” and even before and after, we heard, “Welcome to Jamaica or Welcome to Montego Bay”. I indeed felt welcomed and I enjoyed every day with family. I also enjoyed the time I had alone. The staff at our resort were exceptional and outside of the resort, the people I came into contact with were nice. It was the vacation I needed to absolutely take me out of my head and routine. I may have overdid it just a little and I am recovering today and tomorrow.

I wondered what Jamaica would offer me as I was looking for some big “wow” moments or “ah hah” moments about life. I was thinking maybe God would shed some light on life and what’s next. Anything. But what I got from Jamaica was to let someone take care of you for a while. It was receiving incredible service in which I believe I give. And we aren’t talking without flaws because rarely is anything or anyone flawless. But the best part of my vacation was not being responsible for anyone and not being asked to do a million things. It was drama free.

I met a man. It’s not what you think. My server for breakfast and lunch was the best server I have ever had on a vacation. I made sure I blessed everyone on that resort I came into contact with, with tips but, I made certain I gave him way more. And I introduced my family to him and said, “Take care of this guy”. And we did. He wasn’t over the top he was genuine. He was observant. He carried on good, short conversation. We learned a few things about him. I liked having my same spot every morning. I liked him knowing I start with water and coffee. You know some people just give off energies. He seemed like a hardworking family man. He could have been a father and grandfather. He also seemed like he didn’t take any foolishness but, also was witty. I wondered what kind of wisdom did he hold within the sanctuary of his soul.

I had intentions to bless someone over and beyond when I went there and the person showed up the next day. It was a good vacation for me to let go of the responsibilities at home. I needed space and I have decided to let something go that really weighs me down. I am thinking I will only support it financially. I’m tired of the environment and I am sick of feeling the way I feel when I am there. Life is too long and too short to be doing things you don’t want to do on a regular basis. It’s too short to be dealing with people who make your life a hell or at the least, unbearable. We do it in the name of love and family. But when you think about it, it’s pretty sick and twisted if that’s what we call love and family.

One more take away was not letting anything or anyone’s mood ruin your vacation. And this is translating over to life in general. Some things didn’t go as planned on vacation and I made the best of it no matter what others did. I also didn’t fall victim to other people’s moods or attitudes. I almost let the antics of one get to me but, I realized it wasn’t worth it. They are young and they will learn eventually. On the last night I wasn’t feeling well. I had a bit of an attitude but tried not to let it affect how I was around others. I retired early that night and each night pretty much. I think this was my saving grace for things not to get so bad as far as my body.

I want to go back to Montego Bay, Jamaica and to explore more of it. When I travel, I like to learn about the city and country I am visiting by taking tours. Shopping and the nightlife is great but I want more of the people, arts, culture, life of a city.

~Nikki