Love Doesn't Die

Love Doesn't Die

Love Doesn't Die presents an inspiring, spiritually enriched memoir of life in Jamaica. Author Angela Brent-Harris celebrates her father's eccentric life in Jamaica along with the lives of the rest of her family. She focuses mainly on her relationship with her father, delving into what it was like growing up in Jamaica, in all of its natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle. Inner peace from the shared experiences and warm memories that Angela enjoyed with her father comes shining through as she lovingly relates events from her childhood. Whether reminiscing about her father's love of jazz and the many concerts that he promoted or basking in her memories of time spent with her family just hanging out, Angela conveys a feeling of family warmth and compassion in Love Doesn't Die. She recalls the comfort, purity of love, family values, and spirituality that were so ingrained in her family life. Her family is a loving example of what happens when a family really works at being a family. Love Doesn't Die offers an inspiring perspective on life as lived by a family headed by strong and loving parents who never lose sight of the impact their positive examples will have on their children's lives long after they are gone. LOVE DOESN'T DIE By ANGELA BRENT-HARRIS iUniverse, Inc. Copyright © 2012 Angela Brent-Harris All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4759-3452-6 CHAPTER 1 The Flavor of My Family * * * Yorke Devere Brent-Harris, my dad, was the fourthchild and second son of Wilford and Estella Brent-Harris,from a family of four boys and three girls. Hewas born in Mount Providence, Clarendon, Jamaica, onNovember 23, 1934. He married my mom, Hope Fay Tucker of MontegoBay, on April 28, 1962, and this loving union yielded sonAndre Brent-Harris, whose life got shortened in 1992,and two daughters, Yvette Brent-Harris and me—AngelaBrent-Harris. I will appease your appetite with a taste of the lovelypeople in my family. My dad was a man of determination.He was venturesome and very positive in his opinions, sowhen he knew a thing to be right, it was almost impossibleto move him. He was just and honest and loved withvigor and passion. My dad was a lover of classical andsemiclassical music and a jazz enthusiast, and he promotedseveral jazz concerts in Kingston and Montego Bay. Heplayed the violin as a youngster. He was an Anglican in1949 at Kingston Chapel, where he was a member of theschool choir. He was a member of the St. James Parish church, andsecretary of its Brotherhood of St. Andrew chapter. Hewas a member of Eckankar, the Scottish Free Masons,and the Elgin Lodge, where he was director of ceremonies,and a justice of the peace. He was the first president of theParadise Acres Citizens Association of Montego Bay andserved as its president three times, and he was a memberof the Orchid Society in Montego Bay, Jamaica. My mom is a woman of exotic and infinite beauty.She has endured a lot in life, and she still manages toovercome any obstacle. I often wish I had her strength andperseverance. She is spiritualistic, idealistic, and religious.She is an incredible entertainer and enjoys society. She issincere, honest, and frank, and she is a very loyal friend.My mom has a green thumb; if she plants as much as afrail leaf in the dirt, it will flourish and grow. She is alover of orchids and exotic plants and flowers. She cravesart and loves antique artifacts. She is an ardent collectorof Lladro and Lalique crystals. My sister, Yvette, has a great deal of personal pride yetlikes to command. Her passions are deep, and she loveswith intensity. Yvette can lose control of her emotionseasily and oftentimes acts hastily when excited. However,she quickly regains her better judgment and makesamends. She tries to put on a tough façade sometimes,but beneath all that, she is shy, curious, gentle, and mushy.She is also conscientious and very reliable. My brother, Andre, was scrupulously honest andfaithful to duty. He was sincere and said just what hemeant. He was an intellectual, a clear, keen thinker, anda lucid talker. He had a big heart and was very generous.He made it easy for everyone to love him, and he wasadmired by all. * * * As for me, I was born with a kind heart. I can be ratherquiet and reserved, yet fun-loving with a strange sense ofhumor. Not everyone understands my jokes. I am gentle and affectionate and always strive to addto the happiness of my loved ones. I am very humbleand very kind. I have a keen and alert mind and muchexecutive ability. I am also spiritualistic like my parents. Ibelieve our purpose on this earth is to find our way backto God. Humble Heritage * * * I was born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica.I savored and enjoyed every moment and have noregrets. Jamaica is the ravishingly beautiful sunshineisland. Jamaica is oftentimes referred to as a culturalsuperpower. I think this is mainly because the culture andreggae music is world renowned. Reggae music is the mostinternationally known facet of J