rare recognition

In Haitian culture, events that recognize someone’s effort are pretty scarce. I’ve never known of a wedding anniversary party or a retirement party. People tend to not receive anything special after 25 years of work. SO, it was with much appreciation that I and four other gentleman received a certificate of recognition from an organization of young people. They hosted a May 1st Agriculture Day event in a local school facility. I joined four other teachers/principals who have served in various local schools for extended periods of time. It was an honor to sit on a panel with these guys. We each spoke. As per our cultural differences I spoke the least. Then we were given certificates and had our pictures taken with the group that organized the event. It was touching. My certificate is in a prominent place in my office.

During the event, I couldn’t help but make an observation. The five ‘elders’ (me included) sat at the table with no screens in front of us…no phone, no laptop, no tablet. Among the three twenty-somethings who were honoring us, there were six screens lit up before them on the table.
Internet service is becoming a basic human need. :(