“Show me the manner in which a Nation or community cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty to high ideals.”
~ William Ewart Gladstone
In this podcast story, I explore the tradition of Ninth Night in Jamaica and celebrate the life of my Uncle Charlie.
It was a gift to be able to perform this story at a family reunion in 2019. In the audience were Uncle Charlie’s grandchildren who had never met their grandfather. The entire family was moved by the experience. It was a moment of healing, and I often return to the story when I need healing.
It has also been a gift to hear the many stories that others share about their families, cultures, and traditions after hearing this story.
Perhaps you will share yours.
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I got to hear you tell this story in Sedona but I loved hearing it again. Your deep resonant voice is such a pleasure to listen to. So fun to hear about “Ninth Night” and your family traditions and the connections to your history. Loved the scene of the women sending Charlie into the heavens. “Their ebony faces reflecting the moonlight.” “No one can keep Charlie down.” Great lesson in the wisdom of celebrating death to celebrate life and the thin line between joy and sadness. I’m experiencing that now as I lose a dear friend to Alzheimers…the joy of knowing and loving him and the grief of losing him bit by bit. Thank you Joel. Your stories are “balm for my soul.”