Happy Holidays – under this tree, there are 3 gifts!

My niece is eight years old. I went to her swimming class last evening. When I arrived she was already in the pool going through her routine, under the watchful eyes of her grandmother (my mother) and the staff at the community center. I grew up in rural Jamaica, an upbringing which I am eternally proud of and also one which assisted in myriad ways to shape the individual I am today.

I had no access to a pool back then, but it didn’t matter. The lovely Caribbean Sea was nearby and even though I was not granted permission to, I would visit the minute, therapeutic spa which my deviant friends would go to at times.

So, there I was, focused like a fan at the Olympics, watching my energetic niece complete motions I would usually see, every four years, when individuals of a Michael Phelps-persuasion, dive into the chlorine-cleansed waters, trapped in the colorful concrete rectangle (the pool). It gave me an opportunity to reflect. As a family we have travelled a long way and essentially we have a lot to be thankful for. I am, we are, grateful.

I say all of that, to say just this. Do not lose sight of the true meaning of the season and despite the challenges or the obstacles which we may feel we are immersed in, find it somewhere in your heart to show love to those around you and be thankful.

In that spirit, I will leave 3 gifts under the tree. They were chosen with no other reason in mind than the fact that they are ‘raw’ motorsports videos, without the unnecessary frills which occasionally subtract from the experience. Happy Holidays!

A Mustang like no other!

The machine I would love to have!

Sound-gasm!

Dean Corrodus – use your extensive reach and organise a Hill-climb in 2014. There is a section of road in the Mile Gully area of Manchester that leads to the round-a-bout at New Green. It was used as a part of a rally in Mandeville a few years ago – a rally that you competed in – I have a pic of you preparing to climb the hill in the Civic R! I think it will be well-received!

Again, Happy Holidays everyone!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer