Hartley Neita, Contributor

Today's commercial world has designated tomorrow as Father's Day. My father, however, did not enjoy this pleasure as this celebration was started in Jamaica only in recent times.

I hope he knew that we loved him, even though we played terrible tricks on him. For example he and I loved the loafer-style shoes made by the Church footwear manufacturing company of England. During the time I was between the ages of 19 and 21, when I could not cope with the expenses of boarding in Kingston, I would travel to our home in the country for an overnight visit whenever a hole appeared in the sole of my shoe. I left early the following morning wearing one of his shoes and left mine. I know he knew what I came for, and yet he never locked away his shoes.

I do not think I even left a note to say thanks.

Whenever I next saw him, he always lectured me on the importance of saving. I wish now I had followed his advice.

He also demonstrated the value of diversification. Except for the beds, wardrobe and bureau, he made every piece of furniture in our home. And it was well made. As a result, he made items of furniture for some of his friends from time to time.

He also reared chickens and so we did not have to buy eggs; and every month or so, we enjoyed corn-fed chicken for our Sunday lunch. It was money saved although not actually seen. He even reared rabbits for a while, but could not cope with their inability to practise birth control. He also grew peas, carrots, lettuce, cabbage and tomatoes in our backyard. Beans always twined our fence wire and every Christmas we enjoyed gungo soup and rice and gungo in abundance.

Sharing gifts

When we started working, we gave him Christmas and sometimes birthday presents. So it was a pleasant experience when after fathering my own children that I received my first Father's Day card from them. I remember thinking I wish I had thought of sending my father such a card while he was alive.

As I grow older, I have seen Father's Days come and go. Yes, I have received cards and presents and telephone calls on these days each year and I have been very happy for them. But there would be no Father's Day without children and it will be they who will be in my thoughts all day tomorrow. And for a special reason.

You see, last year they saved my life. All year I had not been feeling well, but I was in denial. I told myself I was just tired. They knew something was wrong and kept asking when last I had a medical check-up. The reply was always - two weeks ago, or last month. Lies!

I did not fool them for long. They contacted my doctor and friend Matthew Beaubrun who told them to take me to his office for tests.

Showing care

From then on my memory is a blank. I was incoherent. I ended up in the hospital under the care of Doctors Harrison and Smith and the most beautiful nurse-angels I have ever seen. Even though, as one told one of my daughters, "your father treated us like dogs today".

My children and their spouses were with me 24/7, and with a housekeeper who became an extension nurse. Their children did their homework in the hospital waiting room in the evenings. They organised the payment of the bills. My doctors told me I could eat ice cream and drink juices, especially sorrel, but they knew more about medicine than those who had medical degrees attached to their names and reluctantly brought me these pleasures a little at a time.

Then they decided I could not live alone anymore. I could not be trusted. I was moved to one of their homes for what I thought would be two weeks - only to see my bed, television, CDs, paintings, refrigerator, computer, potted plants, stove, microwave oven, books, sofas, dining table, air-conditioning unit, etc, following me. They arranged for my telephone, cable and security services to be terminated.

I cannot go anywhere now without an inspection of my clothes. I have to tell them where I am going and for how long. They quarrel about my taste for ice cream and juices and cakes. I am being spoilt rotten and I am enjoying it. Once more I am a child.

So, a Happy Children's Day tomorrow; it's love, love, love.