Hindsight is twenty-twenty an old saying which suggests that when looking back at history you see everything a whole lot clearer. You get to appreciate the subtle nuances of the player holding all the cards knowing exactly what is to be played and in what order. I am lying in bed shaking the last remnants of sleep from my eyes and the thought ran through my mind that I have a birthday in a few weeks; I have a birthday coming, I am whole year older and I have lived in the age of the titans. I have lived to see not only the end of apartheid, but also Nelson Mandela’s freedom and subsequent rise to be the president of South Africa. I was alive when the Berlin wall fell, I saw Michael Jordan, Ronaldhino, Maradona, Tiger Woods, Mike Tyson (pre-prison), Asafa Powell, Brian Lara, and so many others at the top of their game.

I was alive for Jamaica’s 25 year independence celebration and with a little luck I will be here for the 50th. I saw the end of the Cold War and the rise of the new global community. I saw Mother Theresa inspire millions. I saw the debut of Michael Jackson’s Thriller music video. I was alive at Bob Marley’s death and subsequent rise to superstardom and now I am here watching his son Damian follow in his footsteps. I saw Shabba Ranks, Shaggy and Sean Paul take the world by storm. I am here in a time when any and everyone wants to wear the flowing locks of the Rastafarian, when “Ganja” is being lauded for its medicinal values and when a hottie with locks can be a beauty queen.

I have seen an idiot become the president of a superpower and also witness the ascension of a woman: Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller, to the high office of prime minister of Jamaica and that is just a small sample of the wonders that are taking place in my time…our time. Why wait for hindsight? Why not just take a few moments to just savor some of the great and small miracles which are taking place in our lifetime? Why not appreciate them now…savor them now.

Why not embrace the idea and enjoy this, “The Age of Titans”.