Jamaica

My Granny never believed in having “favorites” for grandchildren. She tried to love us all equally, however, due to life and circumstances, the grandchildren that rallied around her the most, ended up being the ones she talked about quite frequently.

The most talked about grand girls that Granny would tell anecdotes and stories about were myself and my cousin Annamaria. From the age of two, Anna Maria and I were inseparable, we were like Bobsey Twins. Since she was four years older than I, I thought she was the coolest person since kisko pop.

We dressed alike, we attended the same schools and we even enjoyed similar hobbies. Therefore, when Granny began her ranting and raving fest, Annamaria’s name was never mentioned without mine. We were like her twin terrors, except, we each had a different way about doing our shenanigans.

One day, as I was making my way to Granny’s school after music lessons, I overheard Granny talking to Mrs. Mordechai, her Seamstress, about her grandchildren….then she started on about Annamaria and Margaret.

Granny continued, “Those two girls are so similar, yet they are so different. Two sisters children, who are like bookends.”

Mrs. Mordechai looked at Granny and began shaking her head, “So tell me Sister B, how are they so similar, yet so different?”

“Well, for instance, the Annamaria will tell me, “ Granny, I am coming to spend some time with you, she will visit and by evening time, I have to run and take her back home. Meanwhile, the Margaret, will stay with Granny as long as you make her comfortable, she’s like my shadow.

Annamaria is very studious, all day long she’s studying for all kinds of subjects and the entire household has to be included. If she’s in a school play, the entire family has to be her sounding board. The Margaret, is very smart, however, I think she’s going for the “Queen of calm”. That child will have tons of studies and homework, and she will be as cool as a cucumber, and at the seventeeth hour, one, two three it’s all done. I don’t know how she does it, but she usually ends up coming First, Second or Third in her class.

Mrs. Mordechai started roaring with laughter, “One seems to be a type A personality while the other seems to have a “No Worries” mantra.”

Granny smiled, “The best part, is when the Annamaria plays tutor to the Margaret. It’s like the Professor and the Devil, each one, sends the other shrieking to drink glasses of water.”

Mrs. Mordechai sat their nodding and commenting how she often admired us when we came to visit. She began showing Granny pictures of her Grandkids and the stories went on. Granny didn’t know that I was tucked away behind the door listening to her tales about us.

Granny went over to her bureau drawer and began showing pictures of Annamaria and I . It seemed as if every picture she had of me, had a precocious story behind it.

“This picture was taken when the children and I went to Coconut Park, and we had to conduct a search for Margaret. You know where we found her? Admiring the chimpanzees. That child was always fascinated with animals, ever since I can remember. This other picture was taken, right after Margaret tried to wrestle a lizard. Can you imagine that, at four years old?”

Annamaria runs at the sight of a spider, usually Margaret will give the spider a roc ‘em and sock ‘em and everything is fine after that. The two of them, sometimes fight like cats and dogs, but if you ever say one bad thing about the other. Armageddon begins!”

Granny threw her hands in the air and shook her head.

Mrs. Mordechai listened intently, mulling over the pictures Granny showed her. “Boy, what a way those girls have grown big.”

Granny nodded, “Yes, my dear and it only gets more interesting. The other evening , Mr. Norman, a friend of my husband, called me in a haste. He said, “Mrs. B, you have to come down to Half Way Tree now!”

I asked him why. “He said, some boy, from Champion no call Annamaria “Whitey Pork” and Margaret “Red Gal” and the little Margaret stand up on the cement step and tell him off, and Annamaria was doing a good job cursing at his friends. Dem was getting on the bus, but the boy and his friends dem start to follow them. Mrs. B, Margaret fling every school book she have in her bag after dem and when that stave them off. The two of them hold hands and run cross the street into a record store.”

Granny’s voice became excited.

Mrs. Mordechai when I got down to Half Way Tree, Annamaria was still cursing and carrying on, while Margaret was ready to defend their honor. Telling me, “Granny, I was going to use some of my Judo moves, no one calls us names and gets away with it!”

That is how it has been with the two of them ever since I can remember. It is good , I guess, that they are polar opposites in somethings, because I never worry when the two are together. Margaret definitely has the “Fighting Irish” aura with her. Annamaria is the spokesperson, while Margaret, she’s like Sheena, the Princess Warrior. If she’s quiet, leave her alone, or God help you!

Mrs. Mordechai was fascinated with the story about us. She found it delightful that, even though we were so young, we practiced loyalty towards each other.

She commented, “Were those two girls raised in Jamaica?”

“Yes, but the Margaret, ever since she was little, one would think she came off an English Steamer. That child can be so rambunctious at times, and then another minute, you feel as if you are in the presence of Royalty. There are times when she is so prim, proper and grandiose. Annamaria just tries to live her life perfectly, except if you get her vexed. Then, that is when my two little “champumnannies” go to town!”

Mrs. Mordechai rocked back and forth in Granny’s chair. She began telling Granny how it was a blessing to have grandchildren because it made life interesting.

Granny said, “Praise God! My life is definitely interesting because of them. Over the years, I hear good stories and bad stories about them. You know what? They may be wretches, but they are my little wretches and I love them dearly, and that goes for all my Grandchildren!”

Well, needless to say, I got an earful. After feeling quite pained, from contorting myself to hear my Granny, I came away with a renewed sense of confidence. All these years my Granny knew us and them some.

Granny always said, eaves dropping was a nasty habit, but on this day, it was well worth holding the glass to the door to hear my Granny canvassing for our dispositions.

It was a wonderful feeling to know that my Granny loved Annamaria and I despite our shortcomings. She also embraced and encouraged our loyalty to protect each other at all times. A lesson that should be utilized by the younger generation today.

Eventhough we are not put on Earth to be our brothers, sisters or cousins keepers. Sometimes, it is necessary to ensure their honor and respect.