When was the last time you visited a family island? I know it may not be the cheapest (I’m still hoping one day there will be discounts for citizens to travel throughout The Bahamas), but I do believe that it’s so worth it.
I recently had the chance to revisit my old stomping grounds, my home away from home—sweet ole Abaco. Growing up in Abaco made me appreciate the simple things in life, and returning filled me with vigor.
Abaco, in all its beauty after such destruction, shows one thing: the resilience of its people. Before Hurricane Dorian, Abaco was different, and if you ask anyone how life was before the storm, they would tell you the same. However, I didn’t realize it until now. You may be wondering, how is this even possible? My best guess...the community.
Though there are still buildings and structures which sadly serve as a reminder of what occurred five years ago, there are so many that have made a comeback, and it’s amazing to see. But not everyone returned, and who could blame them? That day is forever etched in our history.
Now as I reflect, I notice that when you’re in the thick of it, it’s so easy to adapt, sometimes unknowingly, to a change that has occurred. When I returned to Abaco in October 2019, it was mind-boggling to see the devastation with my own two eyes. My home. To see somewhere that you used to visit every day, in shambles. The debris in the streets and the hurt in the air. As the years passed, the strength became stronger.
Visiting my old place of refuge and seeing a small empty space where my trailer once stood for two years was surreal. Parking at “my spot” and rethinking the many days and evenings I spent eating, crying, or just taking in the solitude in a parking lot overlooking the water brought back a flood of memories. Seeing my car and remembering how it started after being underwater from the storm, the many flat tires, extremely hot drives to work, and the little bit of lawlessness that occurred since its taillight was broken from Dorian—these memories flooded back, and I wouldn’t have noticed any of this if I hadn’t left. I am forever grateful for what Abaco brought to me and taught me.
Life in Abaco after Dorian was pure survival mode, and I still see some of its remnants to this day. Will Abaco ever get back its old ways? I think that part is etched in history, and a new story is being written.
What islands of The Bahamas have you visited, and which is your favorite so far?
I love how your words allow readers to create a vision , and what's it off you give raw vision that sparks beauty. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and PRICELESS beauty.
2024#ForeverAbacoStrong 🙏🏾🇧🇸