I never thought about going to Cuba, but I did think about building
playgrounds. It had been one of the ideas that came to us in the aftermath of
losing Jamie. We could build playgrounds that bring people together who may not
naturally come together but could enjoy a moment of joy, peace, love and
connection. So when my colleague Dr. Katharine mentioned she was going to build
playgrounds I automatically said “I want to go” that was my heart talking. Then
my mind jumped in and started telling me all the reasons I couldn’t go. So I procrastinated for several days, until I had missed
the deadline and thought it was too late. So I called to get information on the
next trip so I could have more time for my mind to forget about going. And
wouldn’t you know she had already sent in all the paperwork but one person had
gotten theirs in late and she was sending another mailing the next day. If I
could have my stuff ready by noon the next day I could go. She emailed me my
stuff. I called my boss. He said Yes!
I talked with my husband. He said Yes! I checked with my team (I was due to do a
training and needed others to fill in). They said Yes! I sold my van for exactly
the money I need to give as a minimum donation. The universe said Yes! So
finally I said Yes!
I wanted to go build playgrounds with Jamie and feel his presence daily. The day
there when I made friends with so many children in Cutoro, I knew Jamie was
extending his hand “Hi My name is Jamie, What’s yours?” I wore my Jamie picture
pin, and the kids all ask about my little girl. I told them he was a boy but on
that first day didn’t have the heart to tell them the real story so I pretended
along with them that he was at home and well. The next night we were taking for
a ride on the “Co-Co” bus taxi, which is open and as the wind blew through our
hair I knew it was “just god’s air”. We went to a restaurant that our guide
lured us to, and right there in the lobby was a statue of a little boy peeing in
the yard. Both Katharine and I knew it was Jamie. I was able to talk with many
people about Jamie, including one woman who had tragically and suddenly lost her
grandson eight years ago. One gentleman even took the time and $$$ (internet is not
cheap in Cuba), to look at Jamie’s website while we where there. At the third
park two groups of kindergarteners came out to see us build and sing us their
sweet song. We returned to Cutoro to have a ceremony and allow the kids to play
on the equipment. After sneaking a few items to some of my friends I joined them
in the play. I was taking photos on the digital and showing them back (the kids
loved that- didn’t see any cameras in the hands of the locals so don’t think
there is a lot of picture taking going on there). I wanted to write everyone’s
name down and only had Jamie cards to write on, so I passed them out to have the
kids write their info down. Of course they asked about my darling daughter, this
time I told them the whole story. I had moms and kids alike wanting the card of
Jamie with his photo. I gave out all I had and still the requests came. They
then held up the cards in the photos and assured me they would never forget him.
Jamie was indeed there in Cuba bringing his brand of love, connection, joy and
peace between two peoples whose governments do not want them to get along.
I would build playgrounds anywhere and anytime. The joy and sense of purpose to
be with a group of such loving and dedicated people, locals and gringos, was
truly inspiring. If you want to be a part of this adventure in the future they
are licensed until 2007 and plan several more trips over the next few years.