A Generations gap

FRIDAY, NOV. 23: Generations radio show came to an abrupt end on Tuesday night and feedback following the show from listeners was one of shock and sadness.

A few people admitted that tears had been shed. I guess sometimes we never know what impact what we do have on others until things such as this happen. 

I’m glad to have had my last show with Patrina ‘Powergirl’ Paynter as my in-studio guest. We see her as a bubbly, outgoing individual who is very involved in all genres of community events and activities. But as she shared her story, and shed tears of her painful past and how insensitive her peers were toward her, listeners expressed that they could relate.

Bullying was in full swing then. Bullying  has not gone away and is even more brutal now. But Patrina’s story confirmed two things for me; that the hurtful things of our past really never go away when we become adults and that people who always seem happy are not necessarily carrying heavy burdens of the past. Patrina is a phenomenal woman with so much to offer and I encourage her to continue to rise above the negativity of others and to let her light continue to shine. 

In next week’s column, I wish to share the powerful action and message from two of our young callers to the show — Delilah Kelly and John Seymour. They touched my heart deeply.

In the meantime, I wish to share with you, my final words as aired on Generations on November 20:

“Generations began on January 16 of this year and at almost a year old is a mere baby in the world of local talk shows. But over the past 11 months, I’ve had the pleasure of bringing to you a vision of something new, something different, something unique. Generations was my brainchild supported by so many of you and for that, it’s my turn to thank YOU! Thanks to each of you who have listened, who have called in, who have e-mailed. Thanks to all of you who have shared such positive feedback at various venues around the island.  I’ve learned much from you and I’m sure many of you have learned much from many of the almost 30 guests I’ve had on the show. The words ‘thank you’ seems so inadequate but know that I am most appreciative. As youngsters we are told to be careful when calling names, because we will inevitably leave someone out, but I must thank Mrs Oda Mallory, whose initial curiosities and queries led me to be host of Generations. Mrs Oda — thank you!

...Tonight Generations signs off. To dispel any rumour, I have not been fired, dismissed or asked to leave. Sometimes we have to know when it’s time to take a period of time to reflect, exercise patience for what may be ahead, and prepare for the possibility of new opportunities.

...I cannot say that Generations is gone forever but for now this baby will be put to rest. I encourage you to continue reading my Friday articles in the Bermuda Sun. Continue to do your part to bridge the gap between the youth and adults in our community. Thank you – and for now, so long.”

The door has been left open for Generations to continue, but in the meantime I’ll be out there doing my part to bridge the gap and make a difference.

Shawnette Somner is an educator and mother. E-mail: [email protected]