Stopping by to say happy birthday to a wonderful mother-in-law, who are in heaven enjoying this day with her heavenly father.Mom I truly miss you, but heaven was missing an angel so God sent for you.I wish you where here, because when I had a problem or something bothering me I could come and talk to you.No one knows the bond we had and everyday I just can't believe you gone so soon.I will never forget the love we had for each other or things we use to do together.Love you mom you are the best ever.R.I.P. 

The last time I saw Mom (in this life) was when I paid her a surprise visit for her birthday and for Mother's Day 2012.

Around that time, I was traveling quite a bit and was somewhat fatigued with very little desire for another 18+ hours flight. However, I felt compelled (rather commanded) to go and see her and made a last minute booking. I shared my plans with Tawana and a few of my siblings and told them not to blabber their mouths and they kept tight lips. I know there were no leaks, because when I saw Mom, she was pleasantly surprised.

It was so great to see her. Mom was looking quite vibrant and seemingly on the road to a full recovery. She was so vivacious and we even broached the possibility of visiting Hong Kong. I had a really good and memorable time with Mom. For Mother's Day we had a sumptuous Jamaican style breakfast. As usual, we had some good laughter and lots of chatter.

During my visit, Mom had a craving for some fresh coconut water, so me and Tawana drove all over Brooklyn until we found a couple fresh coconuts for her on Church Avenue. I watched in rapt delight as Mom heartily drank every drop of the coconut water before enjoying the pulp. That was the last thing that I did for Mom before heading back "home" to Hong Kong. In parting, I got a big tight lingering hug from Mom and she thanked me profusely for visiting and wished me God's speed.

That was the last time I saw and touched Mom (in this life).

I miss my Mom! You were a superwoman, yes you were!

No Charge 
by Rev. Shirley Caesar

My sister's little boy came in the kitchen one evening
while she was fixing supper
and he handed her a piece paper he had been writing on
and after wiping her hands on an apron
She took it in her hands and read it
and this is what it said:

For mowing the yard $5
And for making up my own bed this week $1
For going to the store $.50
And playing with little brother while you went shopping $.25
Taking out the trash $1
And for getting a good report card $5
And for raking the yard $2
Total owed $14.75

Well she looked at him standing there and expecting
And a thousand memories flashed through her mind
So she picked up pen and turned the paper over and this is what she wrote:

For the 9 months I carried you holding you inside me $ NO CHARGE
For the nights I sat up with doctored you and prayed for you $ NO CHARGE
For the time and tears and the costs through the years
There is NO CHARGE
When you add it all up the full cost of my love is $ NO CHARGE

For the nights filled with grey
And the worries ahead
For the advice and the knowledge
And the costs of your college
$ NO CHARGE
For the toys, school, and your clothes
And for wiping your nose
There's NO CHARGE son
When you add it all the full cost of my love is NO CHARGE

Well, when he finished reading he had
Great big old tears in his eyes and he looked
Up at me and said mommy I sure do love you
Then he took the pen and in great big letters
he wrote - PAID IN FULL.

When you add it all up the cost of real love
Is no charge...

Yes mother, we thank you for your unconditional love.
When you add it all up... the full cost of your love is...
NO CHARGE!

Dear Mother,

As we look back over time
We find ourselves wondering .....
Did we remember to thank you enough
For all you have done for us?
For all the times you were by our sides
To help and support us .....
To celebrate our successes
To understand our problems
And accept our defeats?
Or for teaching us by your example,
The value of hard work, good judgement,
Courage and integrity?
We wonder if we ever thanked you
For the sacrifices you made.
To let us have the very best?
And for the simple things
Like laughter, smiles and times we shared?
If we have forgotten to show our
Gratitude enough for all the things you did,
We're thanking you now.
And we are hoping you knew all along,
How much you meant to us.

G-E-N-N-I-F-E-R

G- is for Grateful, for all you've done for me
E- is for Everything, Mother you were that to me
N- is for being Neutral; that we all could agree
N- is for Not Giving up when trials surrounded thee
I-   is for Incomplete, now you've passed away
F- is for Forevermissed
E- is for Empty; deep within
R- Mother You'll be Remembered; until eternity.


I just feel as if apart of me has been taken away. I find myself calling her name; aloud. This Morning in particular I was preparing myself for an appointment and I just yelled out, "Gennifer, You left us.

I never expected to have hurt so badly as I am. I feel wounded, empty; just like a piece of the puzzle is missing.
 One thing for sure I have my Brothers and Sister to lean on. God has opened the door of forgiveness, hope and true love. Let's keep moving forward. GCC-Legacy.       
  

The following are condolence meesages and words of hope and encouragement received via SMS and emails from family, friends and colleagues. On behalf of my family we thank you so much for thinking about us in this difficult time:
___________________

Hi Lowell,   I just wanted to reach out and let you know I am thinking of you. I know your strength but the death of a parent is so hurtful.   Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.   Hopefully we can all meet before your return to Asia.    All the best,

Mickey  
~

Hi Tony,

I just want to extend my sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your mom.  

-Harold
~ 

Lowell - So sorry to hear about your loss. Please accept my condolences to you and your family.
  -TonyN
~

Mr. Campbell, the immense pain you must be experiencing, I cannot even imagine, but I know Our Lord is a Powerful God and I know He will carry you through this loss, reassuring you that your Mommy could be in no better place....Pain free, Worry free and with her Master. I truly Pray that God blesses you and your family with renewed strength and peace. My Prayers and Love are with you, Mrs. G and your family.

"Our memories of the times spent will help the pain go away…
They will be with us forever…
My Prayers always with you…"

Shari Oliver (Your adopted daughter)
~

Dear Lowell, am very sorry to hear of the sudden & terrible loss that you and your family have suffered. My sincere condolences and prayers to the Almighty to give the strength to overcome the loss.

Krishna.
~

I’m so sorry to hear this Lowell. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.

Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Regards,

Euriel McHenry
~

Lowell,

Really sorry to hear this news, my man. Hang in there.

Condolences from my family to yours.

RK

Rjrkhan
~

Lowell,

I am very sorry to hear this news. My condolences to you and your family. We will keep you in our prayers.

Regards,
WW (Wayne)
~

Lowell - So sorry to hear about your Mom - please accept my condolences for you and your family...  Please keep posted with the arrangements.

Best Regards,

Karen
~

Lowell,

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of you mother. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Kind Regards,

Monique Moulton
~

Hi Lowell,

Sorry to hear about your Mom.  I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Regards,

Charnell
~

Lowell,

My deepest condolences to you and your family.  My heart is breaking for you.  I know how difficult it is and you are so far away.   Will the funeral take place in NY or Jamaica?  If it is NY, I would like to attend the service, please send me the details.   Take care of yourself.  Hope to hear from you soon.

Best Regards,

Claudia McFarlane-Lyons
~

Lowell,

I am so very sorry for your loss.  My deepest condolences to you and your family.  Please keep us informed of the arrangements.

All the best,

Gina
~

Lowell - Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh _ Sorry Sorry Sorry – I Was Thinking Of You Yesterday – Deepest Condolences – Please Keep Me Posted.

Robin Isaacs
~

Lowell,

So deeply sorry. I empathize with you it's a sad to see your parent go through sickness and ultimately ends their life. So deeply sorry.

Please keep me in the loop.

Much love

Mickey
~

Lowell - Very saddened to hear of your loss…please accept my condolences.

Regards,

Joseph
~

Hello Lowell - I am sorry to hear that your Mom passed away.

-Omar 
~

Oh Lowell,

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved mom. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Stay strong………

Regards,

Monika Jones-Lyons,
~

Hello Lowell,

Sorry about your loss. Our prayers are with you.

Kind regards,

Errol Harris
 ~

Lowell,

My condolences to you and your family. Stay strong. Please send details of funeral arrangements when available.

Bless.

Willie.
~

Hi Lowell,

Extremely sorry to hear about your loss.  Hope everything else is going well with you.

Kindest Regards

Gary
~

Oh no!! So sorry to hear this terrible news Lowell. My prayers for you and family to be strong at this difficult time. My father passed on a year ago so I can really relate. Please advise regarding funeral arrangements. Be well.

Bless,

Donovan.
~

I am very sorry to hear that and express my condolences to you and your family. Do what you have to do. Family first.

Take care

Regards,

Cort
~

Dear Lowell, 

I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. She will be R.I.P .

Take care

Polly
~

Hi Lowell,

My heartfelt condolences to you in this difficult time. I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Regards,

Sachin
~

Lowell,

I’m so sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Regards,

Katariina
~

Lowell,

It’s very sad to hear this. Will pray for your mother’s soul to rest in peace and give you the strength to go through this tough time. Mother brings us to this life and we are attached to her the most.

Regards

Vinod
~

My sincere condolence Lowell. Pray for the entire family. May God give you all strength to face this loss.

Sudeshna
~

Hi Lowell,

Please accept my condolences to you and your family.

Thanks and Regards

Sujit Chitale
~

Lowell,

Please accept our heartfelt condolence at the sudden passing away of your dear Mother. May God give you all courage to bear this loss. Our prayers are with you and the family.

Thanks and regards
Irshad
~

Lowell! I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. She will never be forgotten and her memories live on through all of you! May God’s grace strengthen you as it did me when my mother went home.

My sincere sympathy,

Sarah
~

Lowell,

I am so sorry to hear about your mother.  My prayers are with you and your family.

Cassandra
~

Lowell, I am so sorry to hear about your mom.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Thank you for letting me know and please keep us posted regarding arrangements.

If there is anything, anything I can do, please let me know.

Lori
~

Hi Lowell,

I am very very sorry to hear this.  I will pray for her and for your family (what is her full name?) and I hope you are doing ok.

Thanks,

Melody
~

Lowell - Sorry for your loss. Christine told me this morning. Again my deepest sympathies for your loss. She is in a better place with no pain and sadness. All the best my brother, talk to you soon.

Bert
~

Hi Tony

Condolences...I am truly sorry!!

Paula
~

Brothers please stay strong.

Your loving brother,

Barry.
~

Hi Tony,

My prayers are with you. I am happy that you are not alone there. Be strong. Please keep me informed.

Much Love,

Pat
~

Lowell - Heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I empathize with on the loss of your mother. I know that time heals all wounds. But the loss of a mother is never easy to get through. The only bright side in this occurrence, is the knowledge that her suffering is over.

Please keep me posted on the arrangements.

With deepest sympathy,

Keith and family.
~

Hello there, My sincere Condolence to you and the family. I saw Gennifer last Friday afternoon and didn't know that would be the last time. When will you be here? If you need me to do any food for the repast , my kitchen will be open. Safe flight home See you soon.

Liz
~

Lowell,

I'm very sorry to hear this. How is Tony doing?

Steve
~

Lowell

Please accept my sincerest condolences my friend. The loss of a mother is a monumental experience. Be comforted in what she as instilled in you as well as what she stood for. You are your mothers child, her legacy continues. So in your mourning also find time to celebrate. Ja her soul rest in peace.

One love.

Irwine G. Clare, Sr.
~

Hello Tony,

Please accept my condolences along with the rest of the Davis family on the passing of your Mom. Please keep me posted on the arrangement.  Once again, deepest regret. May the Lord grant you peace at this sad time.

Anna.
~

Tony,

Sorry to hear the bad news about your mother's passing.  Please accept our condolences.  Our thoughts and prayer will be with you and your family  throughout this trying period.

Karl
~

Lowell,

Please accept my condolences in what I know is a very difficult time.

-Eldon
~

Hi Lowell,

My condolences to you and your family,I am so sorry to hear this .Please keep us informed, and let us know if we can be of any assistance.

Sincerely,

Marlon.
~

Lowell,

It’s been long time since we have spoken.  My sincerest condolence on your loss.  I'm not sure if you are back in the states, or Chicago area, but my thoughts are with you and your family.  You are a great guy, and have always been one that I have the utmost respect for.  If you need anything please let me know.

Godspeed,

Kevin Frazier
~

Hi Lowell,

I am very sorry for your loss.  Please also let me know if there is anything I could be of assistance with.

Joel MY Wong
~

Lowell, we’re thinking of you.

Kind regards

Michelle
~

Lowell,

Very sorry to hear about the death of your mom today.

My own mother died of a leukaemia-related infection a number of years ago. Treatment really clobbers the immune system, and it’s easy for a bug to take hold. I hope that her ending was peaceful.

All the best,

Andrew.
~

Lo – sorry to hear about your loss...take care!

David
~

Lowell – I am really saddened to hear about your personal loss. 

Please accept my Condolences to you and your family. 

Regards

Manoj
~

Lowell,

I just wanted to send a brief note of my sincere condolences at this time, if there is anything I can personally do to cover you at this sad time, you only need to ask.

Take care,

Kalvin
~

Hi Lowell,

I just wanted to extend condolences to you and your family at this time. Having lost my father a few years ago I understand a bit what we all go through in losing a loved one.

Warmest Regards

Roger Bryan
~

Lowell,

Extending deepest sympathy for you in your loss and hoping too, that comfort and peace may come your way.

Please keep me posted of the funeral arrangement if it is held in the states.

Kemi Alli
~

Hi Lowell,

I want to convey my deepest condolences to you and your family.  I’ll continue to uplift you in prayer.

Josie Allen-Choate
~

Hi Lowell,

Terribly sorry to hear about you Mom's passing. Not much I think that could offer true comfort but, when my Grand mother passes, I tried to focus on the GREAT values and lessons she imparted to me and relize that everyday my Grandmother lives on through me and those same value I impart to my Kids, therefore she lived on. I will pray fro you and your family brother. Much love and repect brother.

Kevin Moulton
~ 

LC- Sorry for you sad loss. May her soul rest in peace. My prayers with you and family at this time. – PB
~

Hi Tony

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you.

Love Bibs
~

Hi Lowell, I heard about your mum's passing and I wanted to extend my deepest condolences to you and your family. May you find comfort in the many loving memories of her you cherish. Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers.

-Devin
~

My Dear Brother Lowell,

Time and life keeps turning turning and now her wings have been well earned. Take time to grieve! All the time know that you have another angel to intercede on your behalf. 

Am praying for your strength and guidance at this time and always. May you and your family be constantly blessed!  Am traveling and will more than likely be in JA when you get to NY, but my heart is with you and family. Nuff Love.

Lance
~

Tony,

So so sorry to hear about the passing of your mum.  B strong and remember God is standing by.

Annett
~

Lowell,

I am so sorry to hear that my friend. My prayers for you and your family.

Tod
~ 

Lowell,

Sorry to hear about your Mom. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Sincerly
The Owens Family
Michael, Jamie, Hannah 
~

Hi Lowell,

So sorry to hear of your loss. Sincerest condolonces to you and your family.

Lloy
~

Lowell

Soory to hear of your loss my brother - words cannot explain! One Love.

Richie
~

Lowell, I heard the news about your Mom and wanted to pass on my condolences for your loss. I will pray for you and your family. 

Regards

Derrick 

I am James McClenton, the husband of Celia Cross-McClenton for 49yrs.  The story of my father-In-law (Arthur S. Cross) being there for his brother (George Cross) and family, was once told to me when we met Keat in FL.   I did have the opportunity to meet Uncle George while in NY. one 4th of July.  Seeing the two brothers together I knew that that they had much love for one another.  I never had the opportunity to meet Gennifer, but by all the stories etc. that has been posted of her, She had to have been a wonderful person and mother,  I consider its my loss that I never had the opportunity to meet her in person.  So to the family, stay strong, and look to the hills from whence cometh thy strength, knowing that all of your help and strength comes from Thee.  Gennifer is no longer suffering, God took all of her pains away.   She is now safely in the arms of our Master.  Rest In Peace my cousin.

I first met Moms in the summer of 1993 I think and for all these almost 19 years, she has been the one (1) person I look up to the most in my life. Over all the years, with all her talks, I have been left a better man, friend and person, now Father from her presence in my life.

I have learned from Moms, that people will always do things to soot them selves, but I should always look for the good in people.

I have learned from Moms, to listen and learn from others mistakes but, not to use my mistakes to judge and push people to the direction I think is right.

I have learned from Moms, to talk the truth no matter what. People might and will get hurt, but holding it back will only make you bitter and leave a unfilled hole in your heart.

I have learned from Moms, to keep giving people chances but, not let them take advantage of me.

I have learned from Moms, to keep fighting for what's right, no matter the odds but, know that others will always be affected.

I have learned from Moms, that all the choices I will make in life are mine and mine only to make and I should learn they are my burden.

I have learned from Moms, that if I make a promise, I should always keep it for if I don't people will not believe or trust me. For what good is a man without a honest and true word?

I have learned from Moms, no matter what you do, people will like or heat you, which is their choice.

I have learned from Moms, to keep my spirit calm and calm spirited people around me.

I have learned from Moms, to keep being me, even with my bad habits, the good will always shine through.

I have learned from Moms, to take the time and do what I'm doing right. For what a person dose is a reflection of them.

I have learned from Moms, to leave it in the hands of god. For if you have faith, there is no need to second guess (if it is goods will then, let it be done)! Everything happens in its perfect time.

Moms passing is teaching me, that things happen in life, we have the choice to use them to pull together or a reason to fall apart. For people will be people, the choices they make are for them and them only to live with.

In death, feelings of the falling are theirs to take with them. Don't dwell, but live on with the living, make your choices and live with them!
sent to you, not for others to see!!!

Memories of Mom (MoM)

Every once in a while, I would affectionately call my mom Gennifer. Never out of disrespect, but in deference to her youthfulness and vitality. Oftentimes her response was  “yes, Mr. Campbell”, maybe in a kind of backhanded deference to my own maturity, receding hairline (receded hairline) and fleeting youth.  

I have many fond memories of my mother. She loved a good laugh and over the years, we had many long conversations sprinkled with rapturous laughter. Most recently, I spent a night with her at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital and she was in her element, despite the diagnosis. We talked and we laughed till our bellies hurt. At one point during one of our many laughing spells in the wee hours of the morning, the machine she was hooked-up to started beeping strangely with what sounded like robotic laughter. When the nurse came to check on her, she had smile on her face and all was good. 

Long before the advent of LOL and ROFL, Mom would have me in splinters, with mythical tales of mayhem and mischief emanating from her childhood home in James Hill. She enjoyed her childhood and relished her upbringing. I heard about the sibling rivalries, the no-nonsense parenting and the exciting times as an involuntary apprentice in Grandpa’s dental lab. The experience gained at such an early age, fueled her independent spirit; infused in her a great work ethic; self-discipline and Swiss watch punctuality; plus a few pounds and shillings in her pocket. And when it came to fisticuffs, do not mess with her or her siblings, as she was known to mix it up valiantly against boys and girls alike. With eyes closed she proudly regaled that grandma was an excellent singer with a mellifluous voice. Right after that recollection, Mom drifted off to sleep as if someone had sung her a lullaby. Her stories made me fall in love with James Hill. 

I learned about her transition from James Hill to Kingston where she went to high school and then commercial school. Mom reluctantly and shyly shared a few tales about her youthful dalliances; including how she met my dad. She claimed that my dad was a smooth talker. Oh well, that gift of the gab must have skipped my generation. She beamed about her time living in the Bahamas and was ecstatic about her eventual emigration to the United States. 

After Mom settled in the United States, we wrote letters to each other with metronomic regularity. The highlight of my day was to stop by the Mavis Bank Post Office and receive that letter from America with the familiar red white and blue border and via airmail insignia. It was always a delight hearing from her. Yes, for the prose and her beautiful penmanship; but I must admit; for the greenbacks that were usually enclosed.  

Mom was not perfect; she had her character flaws and idiosyncrasies and probably would be the first to admit them. She was insanely protective of her privacy and at times quite secretive. It seems that there were always a fleet of fighter jets guarding her airspace, ready to dissuade even people with the best of intentions from entering. Mom also had challenges with receiving. We all know the adage that it is better to give than to receive. While this may be true, receiving can be harder than giving. In his book, The Log from the Sea of Cortez, Hemingway wrote eloquently about the art of receiving. Mom did not master that art and struggled with being the recipient of anything. Additionally; Mom was guardedly independent and at times doggedly resolute.

Yes, she had a mouth; with a sharp tongue that could scare away family, friends and foes alike. Many of us have experienced the wrath and wisdom of her tongue. [If you know what is good for you, you had better get out of my face; leave me alone; are you a fool an educated fool; what didn't you understand; where is your sense of comprehension; this child is crazy; Lord have mercy; and the list goes on and on...]. She spoke her mind straight up; no chaser. It is probably an understatement to say that Mom did not suffer fools gladly; particularly the so-called educated fools like me. She had a penchant for being blunt and direct. However, I know that there was no malice in her message and no vitriol in her voice. She was a sweet tempest in a teapot. For the most part, the steam would dissipate and vaporize into nothingness.

At the end of the day, Mom was a remarkably beautiful woman inside and out. She worked hard for the money and in true Jamaican style, held multiple jobs in the early years. This was not necessarily to make ends meet. But rather to pave the way and to ensure that her family had a home to live when we started our lives in America and beyond. Many of us today are proud citizens of the United States via naturalization or birth. Some of you may not know that Mom was the catalyst of that trail that led to our existence in America. Yes indeed she was the trigger that started the wave. She was kind to a fault and did not seek credit for the noble things she did. Mom loathed self-aggrandizement or any kind of self-serving advertisement. That’s the kind of person she was; doing good deeds quietly and consistently behind the scenes.  A trait that is wise to emulate. 

To my dear brothers and sisters; Al, Mo, Wes, Marie, Sammy and Yama. Mom made tremendous sacrifices for all of us; she loved us unconditionally, with all our flaws, all of our baggage, all of our mischief, all of our imperfections and all of the grief we caused her. God knows we gave her grief by a factor of seven. But her love remained unwavering and unflappable. Her love was true love. A mother’s love! Please make her proud. 

To my dear family, our matriarch, Grandma Ina, Uncles: Keat, Charley, Philip, Jimmy; Aunts: Mar, “G” and Anne. To the grand and great-grand children, nieces, nephews and cousins. I love you all and so did Mom. It is time for the Cross family to rise above divisive trivia and minutiae. Your daughter, your sister, your grandmother, your great-grandmother, your aunt, your cousin, our mother; loved her family dearly and wished more than anything in this world for peace, harmony and tranquility. 

Let’s invoke the spirit of our Maroon heritage and be the best family that we can be. I look forward to that family reunion getaway sometime real soon. Let’s make it a reality. 

To our extended family, friends and colleagues. We thank you so much for being an anchor and pillar of support in this difficult time. Please accept our thanks for your kind words, your gracious thoughts, your gifts and most of all your uplifting prayers. 

We love you Mom…May your soul rest in peace!