Life gave me lemons…and I sold them!

A struggle for life

Reflections from working with the poor & disadvantaged…

Some days life serves me lemons. They say that I should make lemonade. How do I do that? I can’t afford the sugar and my taps don’t have water. How I hate lemons.

Some days life serves me blows. Life wears itself like a noose adorning my neck. They say I should persevere. How do I do that? I still can’t afford to buy the pair of scissors to cut that noose. How I hate that noose.

Other days life serves me hope. Just a teaspoonful. They don’t say much, for now I am a threat. It seems I might be emerging from that hole…finally…

These days life serves me vision. It overflows my cup. They say absolutely nothing for they are busy. Busy taking away the means to attain the vision. I see lemons on the horizon…again…

One day life served me perspective. A moment of illumination. I no longer hear what they say. It is of no consequence.

I sold the lemons and used the money to buy a pair of scissors. I used the scissors to cut the noose. I used the noose to tie the hope to my new perspective. I used the perspective and realized that while I was being pressed and squeezed, I had emerged onto the other side and am in full bloom.

The noose got their tongues now.

[© Copyrighted material – O. Barrett/Island Vignettes 2012]

I survived the struggle

On Log Frames and Gunshots…

 Log Frame design                                   (image – World Health Federation)

I started this post several weeks ago and never got around to publishing it. At the time I thought it was a bit morbid. I don’t think very differently now, I’ve merely rationalized that it is an inevitable part of Development work. The positive and uplifting accomplishments come hand in hand with downright depressing moments at times. You just learn to take it all in stride. Funnily enough I was reminded of this as I watched Judi Dench & cast in the movie – The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Who would have thought one could learn such a lesson from an odd mix of seniors living in India – one of whom is even afraid of buying green bananas as she may not live long enough to see it ripen!

The past few weeks met me busily drafting a full monitoring and evaluation plan for the country-wide programme I am expanding. It was a time for reflection as I facilitated discussion on the best ways to monitor/evaluate our work. Part of it involved creating a Log Frame. This is a programme I know has had tremendous impact for young victims and witnesses of crime who are part of the Justice system. Now, to translate that into measurable components. It is so easy to get caught up in the paperwork and “the Plan” that sometimes we lose touch with the human component – the people whose lives drive and are affected by our decisions.

I was reminded of this as I left the office one afternoon. I heard that in a nearby community there had been an exchange of gunfire. I’m still not clear as to whether there were casualties, but I’m sure you can imagine what a chaotic and traumatic few moments it must have been for anyone close by. Perhaps it may have even given rise to yet another young witness or victim making their way to the Office. Another one whose needs are to be taken into consideration as I put together this M&E document… What a reminder of the importance of the work we do.

This sweet young girl wants to be a doctor when she grows up. After sending some time with her, I believe that she is going to do her best to change her world.

Now for the sweetener. I was fortunate to meet this young girl many weeks after the incident. I was in an inner city community. Her sweet smile and shy demeanor were heartwarming. However, it was the words on her jersey and assertion that she wants to be a doctor when she grows up that was so uplifting. Now it has me wondering how can I help to keep the dreams of these little ones burning. For that matter, how can you…?