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I was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on May 15. Year does not matter as I never like to ponder on my age, which is probably one of the secrets to staying young.

My paternal grandfather, So Ho Wah, migrated to Haiti from Canton, China, around 1914-1915. I’ve yet to confirm the dates; family history is one of my flaws, or is it? It wasn’t until recently that I learned of my grandfather’s name after one of my cousins sent a family tree to the whole Wah family. While it angered some family members (because some “cats” are now out of the bag), I found it interesting and was thankful that she took the initiative and time to put this list together for the benefits of all (well almost all) of us. Let me just say the family is large with 11 siblings on my father side and 7 on my mother’s. So you understand why I may not know everyone in the family, especially given that I’ve lived great distances from the family for years.

My paternal grandmother, Sylvia Joseph, born in Leogane, Haiti, passed away in late 2012. She was 98 years old. I have a lot of fond memories of her and she will be missed. She was probably one of the most generous and kind person that I know. She loved her family immensely, and my father, Marcel Sr., lived with her until his death in late 2004.

I did not know my maternal grandfather, but my maternal grandmother, Olga Frédérique, was a darling and a beautiful woman. I learned how to bake cakes from her.

Going back to my birthplace, which I see I’ve gotten off track a bit, I was fortunate to have been born in Haiti. Why you might ask? For one, Haiti’s amazing history is one to be very proud of and that I am. Haiti was the first Black republic to gain its independence in the Western Hemisphere. The slaves under French rule kicked Napoleon’s ass and gained their freedom in 1804. Without going too much into history, it’s worth learning more about this incredible little island that changed histories in the Americas.

I’m also proud of the fact that I speak Kreyol, the main language of Haitians and a wonderful one at that. I cannot identify at all with French, although I grew up learning it in school, but my blood is purely African with a mix of Asian.

Ah, I have to add too that Haiti’s rich culture has gifted me with a high sense of culture, spirit, and identity.

Later, stay tune…