The past few days have been emotional as we sit and wait to hear that hurricane Dorian has stopped lashing the Bahamas. From weddings to funerals, storms, and Junkanoo, The Bahamas is a second home for me. It’s where I took my first flight to, and where I traveled the first time internationally. As the years go by, I am amazed at how the Bahamas is such a special part of my life.
In the Begining (Two Bahama Mamas)
On my first day back, the second semester of college, a quiet, confident new girl from the Bahamas joined my dorm hall and just next door. Long story short, Nikki became my best friend.
From Nikki, I meet Tina and many others. Our friendships have spanned two decades. Our children have all become apart of our friendship, and we have become more than friends, but a family.
Hurricanes are nothing new in the Bahamas, and we’ve been through a lot of them together over the years, but I have never been as concerned as I am about this one. I last spoke to Nikki on Friday evening as they were preparing to take shelter and ride it out as they always have. She was doing laundry in case the power went off once the storm was over. Sunday she texted me that the winds were picking up and please pray. I am still waiting to hear from her and praying that they are all well.
I find myself hoping she will pick up the phone and say “Hey Wattakia” (her pet name for me), “we are all good.”
Looking back at this post, I talk about on our last trip to Grand Bahama Island. I wish I had gone back last year and even earlier this year as I planned.
The kids strolled the island freely having old fashion fun. Each beach is so different. Rushing white waters, to shallow blue calm beaches with soft waves. Beachside conch stands with fresh conch salad made to order. Bright colorful homes with tall coconut trees nearby.
From the first day we met until now, I gladly boast a crew of Bahamian friends that I cannot imagine my life without them. Both they and their families have become my family. Once you’re in town, the news spreads, and everyone is stopping by for good food and good laughs, hanging out at that beach, or the fish fry.
