Earlier this week, a series of storms rolled through the area, leaving the air crisp and charged with a quiet energy. The next morning, as I stepped outside, the sky put on a breathtaking display. Thick clouds still lingered, but where they curved and parted, slender beams of sunlight pierced through, casting a soft, ethereal glow. It was as if the sky itself was gently backlit, each cloud edged in light, creating a scene both dramatic and serene.
The waves of Joe Pool Lake, just outside of Dallas, TX, gently beat against the shore, their rhythmic motion creating a calming, almost meditative sound. The water rolls in with a quiet persistence, shaping the landscape with every ebb and flow. It’s a peaceful scene, where nature’s steady pulse contrasts with the bustling city not far away, reminding you of the quiet power of the water.
The Land, Sky, and Sea—as seen from the shores of Saint Thomas, USVI—come together in a breathtaking harmony that feels almost otherworldly. The deep, endless blue of both the sea and the sky is utterly enchanting, blurring the line between where the ocean ends and the heavens begin. In contrast, the lush emerald green of the land adds a striking depth and richness to the view, grounding it in vibrant life.
My first glimpse of Puerto Rico came through the lyrics of "America" in West Side Story—a portrayal that, in hindsight, did little justice to the island’s true essence.
Stepping onto its shores, I was immediately struck by its rich history and breathtaking beauty. Though my visit was brief, it left me yearning for more. San Juan alone could captivate me for weeks—wandering through its colonial streets, exploring its storied forts, and indulging in its incredible cuisine. Puerto Rico is, without a doubt, a true gem of the Caribbean.
Al poner un pie en sus tierras, me impresionaron de inmediato su rica historia y su asombrosa belleza. Aunque mi visita fue breve, me dejó con ganas de más. San Juan, por sí solo, podría cautivarme durante semanas—paseando por sus calles coloniales, explorando sus históricos fuertes y deleitándome con su increíble gastronomía. Sin duda, Puerto Rico es una verdadera joya del Caribe.
For the enslaved people who toiled on these grounds, this tower was not just a structure; it was a tool of control. Its bell dictated their days, signaling when to work under the relentless Caribbean sun. Upon emancipation, most bell towers like this were destroyed, symbols of oppression too painful to preserve.
This one survived—saved because its owner was considered ‘nicer’ than most.
Coming from a state with its own deep and painful history tied to slavery and the slave trade, I have visited many places that played a role in this unimaginable chapter of human history. No matter how uncomfortable it is, no matter how much it hurts to confront the past, we must not turn away.
We must remember.
We owe it to those who lived and those who died in slavery—to acknowledge that they existed, that they were people deserving of the freedom that was stolen from them. We owe it to those torn from their homes and families, to those who perished on the voyage, chained in the depths of ships.
Yes, these are difficult truths to face.
But while history may not repeat itself, it does rhyme. The only way to prevent the horrors of the past from resurfacing is to teach them, to remember them. In doing so, we honor those who suffered—and, hopefully, we ensure that no one else, now or in the future, endures the same fate.
