Fifty-one years, that’s more than half a century…and it’s how long the Darbys have been married. We celebrated with professor (now Dean–congrats!) Darby and Mrs. Darby on Sunday April 20 their post-Golden anniversary in true Jamaican style…in China no less.
Indeed, “who seh wih cyaa av authentic Jamaican food eena China?” Well, check out dih pikcha dem. Roun dih table, all yuh cud a hear is “pass dih ackee down ere soh nuh; a who a ole on to dih flittahs and fry dumplins? Mi nevva get no plantain! Then pon top a dat, wih lick back wid bun ‘n cheese and black weddn cake.”
Even faraway family and friends were enjoying the visual feast, through Skype. The Darbys’ daughter, Robin, blew kisses and wishes to her parents, while friend Gloria Christian raised her merlot-filled glass in honour of the couple.
Actually, you can’t get Jamaican food like this in China. It is thanks to the Darbys who brought their much loved island food with them that made this special occasion so memorable.
Yes indeed, it felt like we were sitting around the breakfast table in the heart of Kingston, not Tianjin, China. Even the Darbys’ Chinese guests, Qing Qing Li and Danqing Liu, were enjoying the experience. And, of course, the obligatory lesson in Jamaican patwa sealed the Jamaicaness of the day.
Not only did Qingqing and Danqing get an education in Jamaican food and customs, they also learned about Jamaican-Chinese and how they helped shape our beloved island. They also shared their culinary delights with us, adding a little Chinese spice through the jiaozi (dumplings filled with veggies) and cooked peanuts. It was truly a family affair, with lessons learned all around.
“It was nice to share our special day with my Tianjin family,” said Mrs. Darby.
Fifty-one years! Not many marriages last that long. Percival and Norma Darby are indeed an example of the unconditional love, patience, and selflessness that bonds two souls. If we all learn just one thing from their journey together, it would make our spirits shine brighter.
Peace, till next time. Dawn
