Throughout our lives we, knowingly or unknowingly, consciously or unconsciously make impressions on and contributions to others. Additionally, awareness has a way of sneaking up when least expected. Mr Hodge’s revelation came full circle a few weeks before his passing.
Mr Hodge, known to some as Mike, was not aware of it until during the period when he was experiencing serious health and life challenges. Persons from all over visited. Their presence spoke loudly of the concern and appreciation especially from those with whom he came into contact – or reached out to in one way or the other. As a matter of fact, he was so very unaware of who or what he was to others. He said – and I quote: “I didn’t know that so many people care for me and was concerned about me,” end of quote. That outpouring of love and expression of gratitude brought to mind: a friend in need is certainly a friend indeed – one whom you can rely on and trust in, and in whose company laughter and happiness dwell.
Years ago, when Mr Hodge was the latest London Tick on island, he spoke of his time in the UK. He said that the white blokes did not know how to have a good time and couldn’t enjoy themselves like we black folks. They couldn’t dance or spree like us. From them, however, he learned a few things – for example, how to properly plan, set-up and operate a business. With that knowledge, he, among others, launched into the Entertainment Arena with a bar and restaurant and a hall equipped with facilities to host weddings, dances, and party celebrations – The Tropical Flower.
It was at this juncture that Mr Hodge and myself coined a life-long, trustworthy relationship which both of us admired and treasured. When he needed someone to assist him as a bar attendant, he choose me from among his peers. He gave me full control of the bar and to use my discretion. With the expansion of his business plan, he set up the Wholesale. When, if I had a need, he was the one to whom I turned. I could have gone to him anytime – during and after working hours and he willingly gave me items at a reduced price. More than that. He would look around, and if there was a limited number of an item(s) for which we all had need, he would give me saying: “Take this because I don’t know when those ordered would arrive,” and I believe he reached out to others in the same way. The admirable humanitarian qualities of altruism, humbleness, love and neighbourly concern, propelled him daily which mirrored the policy – it is more blessed to give than to receive.
As his sight weakened, church attendance declined, not ceased. However, his support and contributions continued. During worship, when his children or nephew, Joey, were not nearby, he would call me for assistance.
After his return from the United States, my sister, Stella, and I visited him on a regular basis and we discussed a number of things. It was during one of those visits that he told me his body was rejecting everything – water would not stay on his stomach and that he could not eat. Then one day he told us that his time here was running out, but it didn’t matter because he has already settled all things with the Heavenly Father and is ready to be with Him. We prayed and read Psalm 23.
A few days later, having learnt from his children of his condition, we visited. We realized that his condition physically had indeed deteriorated. This prompted me to ask him if the bond and relationship between his Heavenly Father and him still existed. He gave a ‘Thumb Up’ – YES. Then he said, Teacher Kelly, thank you for all you have done and for the rich and lasting relationship we had.
Secondly, he said, “now-a-day families arrange for the first viewing of their loved one to be done on their premises, so I have asked the children to pave in from of the Wholesale – the parking lot – so mine can be done there.” This, he said, would provide enough space for family and friends to share in the fruits of my labour – the spot where a reminder of the good times of the past will take place.”
On Sunday, 16th February 2020, I expressed my sincere gratitude to him for enriching my life by the trust and confidence placed in me, and for the opportunity to share in his endeavours. Stella echoed similar sentiments. Then I told him that some day I shall join him, and share the joys and splendor of the place where day never ends, nor parting takes place.
So long Mike.
Tr Kelly and Family
