84 years

One delightful matriarch.
4 children. 
Special needs.
5 grandchildren.
Little money. Little support. Little food.
Optimism. Smiles. Hope for brighter days.
A well-worn Bible.
The vast majority of 84 years spent here. 
Raising a family.
Loving a family.
Accepting what is.
Smiling. Always a beautiful smile.

invisible

As I turn down yet another road that I've never traveled along before, on this tiny & incredibly wealthy island where I grew up, I am shocked by the neighbourhood that stands before me. Never mind that I'm shocked at what I see. I'm shocked and horrified that all this stands in plain sight, yet so well hidden. Just off the main road. Just behind a new apartment development. Just behind a business. Just behind a wall. Just behind some greenery. Just somewhere over there, hidden well enough to go largely unnoticed. Invisible.

life & joy

These beautiful kids are so full of life and joy and hope. 
They have never failed to greet me with anything other than a huge smile spread across their little faces. 
They are curious and interested. 
They ask all sorts of questions. 
They are a delight to chat with. 
Their home life isn't easy. Food is in short supply. 
But the smiles are always there.
And they never fail to add an extra dose of sunshine to my day.