Rosalee Brown

What is it with this time of year? Persons are especially concerned about the well-being of others; there seems to be more sharing and caring than at other times of the year, and we are willed into spending on decorations, food and festivities.

I am thinking (and this may seem unreal to many who had a family around them when they were growing up) that there are persons, especially children, who do not have someone to hug them, love them, to say 'Merry Christmas' to them, and to give them a special breakfast or dinner this Christmas. I especially want to think of our boys this Christmas.

The virile talker

I really do not know what we are going to do as a nation for many of our boys and future men. Of course, we have many outstanding men, but too many of them are lost or are on the brink of being so. Just recently, I was on a flight from another Caribbean island and I sat beside a handsome Jamaican young man who immediately introduced himself to me, and would not give me a chance to take a nap because of his insistence on small talk. When the immigration cards were handed out, this virile looking Jamaican man, who upon first glance could be a possible candidate for a husband for a young member of my family, took on a very serious and nervous persona.

After about 30 minutes of sweating over this form, he requested my help in translating the information thereon, as well as in spelling most of the required words which he carefully drew. I felt so sad; this almost brought tears to my eyes. No wonder these men are so angry and lack patience, as they have problems in communicating and resolving conflicts. And imagine being 'unequally yoked' with someone who has difficulty communicating - 'the fist' will be the mediator.

Save our boys

One possible way to help our boys is through a meal. What about making a pledge, whether individually or as a family, a group of friends, a club, etceteras, to prepare a meal once every two weeks or once per month, and identify a boy, two boys, a group of boys, to share a good meal with. Preferably, the meal should be one that you cook yourself it could be Saturday soup or Sunday dinner - spend an hour talking, sharing, not preaching, just showing love and care.

This could become a worthwhile commitment and both parties could garner a lot from the relationship without your even making a big deal of it. You could start this Christmas and let love lead the way. I have worked with other boys before in other ways, but since my experience on that flight a week ago, I have been wondering in what simple way more Jamaicans could help, and this is one way. I am going to take my own advice in this special way, and I hope others will also. Contribute to the change in one boy's life!

Love, peace and happiness

Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/ nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services. Email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.