Remembering Dominga, My Caretaker in the Panama Canal Zone

In the Panama Canal Zone, at age 3, with Dominga, who took care of me when parents were working, or out for the evening. She lived with us. My other caretaker in Panama was my dear Grandma Caroline from Jamaica.

Dominga, my parents said, was from an Indigenous community in the mountains. When I returned to Panama in 2009, I tried to find Dominga, but couldn't. She would be 102 now.

Most likely, I won't see her again, and or certainly, Grandmother Caroline, until I go to the Other Side Camp. Then we will have a good visit.

Black-and-white photo of a smiling shirtless young boy in shorts holding a baseball glove and ball, standing on a lawn beside a young woman in a white dress who rests her hand on his shoulder.