Editor:

Because I am sad but glad!

My heart is filled with gratitude

My brain reeling with memories

My body swirling with emotions; so mixed

A real taste of bitter sweet!

Dear ET Joshua, it is with heartfelt gratitude that I say thank you for serving me, and my country. My first trip after years of imagining what it would be like to be airborne: It was when four out of my six family member household sought to flee the wrath of La Soufrière. We boarded the aircraft, taxied, and then off we went. From up above, fear, excitement and anticipation accompanied us.

Memories so dear, which many of us can share. Our treasured little landmark, visible from mountains high, even from afar. Runway stretched out like a pewter river, beaming against the sun’s rays, not to be disguised. That feeling of nostalgia as you strategically met our eyes.

Your loyalty was immeasurable! Never to crumble! Weather-beaten! No beaten by weather, particularly flood water. And even when you were deluged time after time, like Noah’s ark, you withstood nature’s wrath and would come through for us, again and again!

And oh, how can I forget, the first drawbridge that I had ever seen! Perhaps one of a kind in the Caribbean. A bamboo stick, halting traffic! While the plane goes by.

You have served us well over the years; a lifetime even. Day after day we passed through your antiquated frame; runway that took us in search of opportunities, medical attention, higher education, and let’s not forget, a well-planned vacation; and even fame. We appreciated you, despite your limitations! And your safety record was impeccable, as you took us to and fro, considering your years of existence.

And now I can no longer stand by the fence, watch and wave goodbye as airplanes soar up, way up in the sky. I can no longer drive by and say a prayer as airplanes taxi, then wait to fly. I can no longer sit at home and watch airplanes glide, or hear them hover in the sky. So adieu to you, ET Joshua! ‘Old things are passed away’; but there is now something wonderful, and new! Gone, but never to be forgotten! And then again, there is the man whose name you assumed!

So, I must ask, “If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” Job 14:14. I here say, if impartiality, honesty and integrity are compromised, then according to Job, man’s transgressions remain sealed, and man’s hope is destroyed. If so, your sons will come to honour you, ET Joshua, but even so, you may know it not!

LaLa London