September 26 is my parents’ Wedding Anniversary.
2019 gave them 39 years of marriage.
My sisters and I recently joined our parents on a trip to Jamaica to celebrate this milestone. It was the first time in years that we were all together for such an extended time. No spouses no grandchildren just us five. The original five. The week together got me thinking of how blessed my sisters and I are.
We were born in Haiti and moved to Canada in 1996. I was 11, my sisters were 10 and 6. We saw our parents sacrifice and move heaven and earth to give us the best life they could provide. Between going to school while working, career changes, moving from Montreal to Toronto, living with family (shoutout to the Bonostro’s and the Duval’s) our parents did their best to provide us with a better life. Just like our grandparents did for them.
During this trip I realized that we are truly the fruits of their labour. My sisters and I are well educated young adults with our own homes and five degrees between the three of us.(If you are doing the math yes I am the slacker with one degree). I am not saying this to brag but only to get to my point.
What is the purpose of a parent? Yes parents are there to raise their children with love, affection and instill values and worth. But I think the core of a parents’ job is to make sure that their child experiences a better life than they had. Parents have to balance dreaming their own dreams for their children and the dreams their children have for themselves. My parents managed to establish this balance that allowed my sisters and I to reach new heights and achieve things we wouldn’t have if they didn’t dream with us and for us.
This past week made me appreciate them even more than I ever did and made me reflect on my role with my children.
My job and purpose is to continue what they started. With the help of family and friends my job is to provide for my children, dream for my children and put them in a position to have a better life than I have.
With that being said I want to say thank you Manmie et Papi. With you two as my standard I feel blessed and already on the right path.
Pierre-Richard Ducasse
Daddy Allstars 