Pamela_building
Pamela
I was wrestling with the mental and physical pain of the thought of leaving my family for the first time in my life.
Not only was I leaving my family and friends but the unthinkable reminder that I will be leaving, my Daddy (oh I was a Daddy’s girl!) as well as my two little girls and my husband, the love of my life.
For a very long time prior to the final date, I kept myself busy not thinking of my departure from the only home I knew.
From thoughts of landing in England which was 9 hours away. Of meeting people I did not know and the weather opposite to Jamaica.
The day came when a lot of my family and friends accompanied me to the airport.
All I could think about was: ‘Will I be able to do this… to get on the plane?
I managed to get on the plane, but I cried all the way to England. I thought to myself; Am I doing the right thing to leave my girls, leave my husband and my Daddy?
I wanted to go back home but I was trapped in the airplane thousands of feet from the ground.
I thought… ‘I can’t get off! Will I ever get back home?’ To this day, I still wonder if I did the right thing.
Arrival
When I arrived at Heathrow airport, no one came to meet me.
My friend was supposed to be there, I waited for 2 hours and then it got dark.
I thought to myself, ‘I can’t stay here all night! So, I worked out how to get to Victoria.
My friend had been waiting at Victoria because she did not have enough money to get to Heathrow, but there was no way for her to tell me.
Contribution to Newham
I have lived in Newham for 40 years. I was a staff nurse in Newham and worked on various wards.
I join in a lot of activities in Newham.
I also join groups that help people in our borough.
I am also part of a retired nurse’s group.
Poem
Home is love
Home is family
Home is cooking
Home is being together
Home is playtime
Home is enjoying myself
