This is not an ode to the lives of two people who have left this earth, nor is it a story about the lives of two ordinary people. 

This is about two phenomenal people whose lives were worth living and whose lives are worth knowing about today and always. 

The fact that they were my parents and shall remain so ad infintum, is not coincidental, but that perhaps is a story for another philosophical day.

 

My parents worked hard, in an era when working hard meant something, and paid off.

My parents enjoyed life, in a time when enjoyment had to be inclusive of your children, family and friends.

My parents were brilliant academicians, in an age when you didn't ask yourself : "What am i passionate about?" and then go and pursue it. It was an age of opportunity and education and in their case scholarships which moved them from poverty to a far more prosperous life.

 

They were lawyers who loved the word and through the knowledge of the word they were able to hold great debates, talk like orators and write speeches for Presidents and also deliver them as Presidents.

They played hard, but not the kind of playing that involved technology, video games and apple gadgets. It was the playing of great minds and with their hands which enabled them to create beautiful gardens, to find unique sculptures and to showcase unknown artists from Africa.

They traveled the world and made sure that their children traveled with them to create memories for an eternity.

 

Wila and Linda laughed and drank and ate at the best restaurants of the world and made sure their children appreciated quality.

Wila and Linda took their daughters to the the best art galleries, museums and cathedrals, and engaged in conversation with Chitupa and Chomba. 

Wila and Linda interacted in the same manner with Kings and Queens as they did with gardeners and maids.

 

This is not about two ordinary people.

My parents were givers.

They gave of their time, knowledge, wealth and love. 

My parents were pioneers.

They broke boundaries and surpassed expectations.

My parents were solid.

Reputation, integrity and a search for their truth was what they lived by.

 

 

 

 

This platform is one of many platforms dedicated to them, and this is really a gift from them to their family, grandchildren, friends and people who knew them and now new people who shall get to know them and be greatly inspired by their life.

 

 

 

Some of my parents favorites:

(And in no particular order)

Daughters: Chitupa and Chomba

Grandaughters: Monique, Raquel, Jordan, Maya and Clarissa

Their Kabulonga home 

New Orleans, Louisiana

Italy 

The farm

The Inns of Court

Art & Paintings & Antiques

Sculptures

Tropical gardens

Books,books and books

Family

Friends

Uncle Paul and aunty Christine

Cajun Fish - Poy Boy style

The French Quarters, Louisiana

The Hampstead flat

Dom Perignon

Jaques and Partners

Capital Bank - now Cavmont

Fisherman's Cove

Mom and Pops

Waldorf and Astoria, NY

Aunty Kathy

The Penzas

Trinidad and Tobago

The Chikwandas

The Mwanakatwes

Oxtail, before becoming Vegetarians

Selfridges, UK

Zambia

Fortum & Mason afternoon tea

George V - Avenue George V, Paris 

Uncle Linzie Jordan

The Jordans

The Ottleys

Family, friends and joie d'esprit