Tears flow, as Boyz 2 Men show their mothers how much they love them

A great many young, elegantly-dressed gentlemen escorted their mothers into the Ritz-Carlton Hotel for the Boyz 2 Men Evening of Fine Dining at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Boyz 2 Men was begun by John Gray School Counsellor Christopher Murray more than ten years ago. It is a programme for boys between the ages of 14 and 16, aimed at helping them make the transition, not just to young men, but to young gentlemen. Boyz 2 Men has grown in numbers year by year, as more and more boys see how the programme, which involves mentors and motivational talks from successful role models in the business community and the professions, makes a positive impact on their peers’ behavior in terms of increased respect for oneself and for others.

“The evening was a most enchanting time that was filled with extremely delightful moments,” Mr. Murray said. Each of the boys carefully to pulled out the chairs for their mothers so that their mothers could be seated first. It was a grand opportunity to put into practice all the etiquette skills they had learned through the helpful Ritz-Carlton staff, during previous sessions of visiting the hotel.

As the evening unfolded, each of the young gentlemen was given the opportunity to present their mothers with a red rose, a token of their love and appreciation, and tell them what their mothers meant to them. In front of the microphone, each of the boys took it in turns to say, “I love you mom, because….” From there, they spoke from their hearts, and there were many tears both from the boys and also their mothers, as the expressions of love flowed.

One boy said, “I don't just want to say I love you but I need you to know that I love you. I don't want to ever have the feeling of losing you and not telling you how much I love you.” Another young man stood up to speak and while looking on his mother he broke down while hugging her and saying, “I love you.” A few of the boys brought their grandmother, aunt or their big sister instead, as sometimes it is these ladies who have brought them up. Several of the boys praised their mother for being both a mother and father figure in their lives.

The boys were later invited to take their mothers by the hand and share in a dance with them. Traditionally Mr. Barris Reid sings songs which serenade the mothers on behalf of the boys, but this year Mr. Reid was unable to come, so Mrs Darnelle Celestine, a JGHS math teacher, sang beautifully in his place.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr. Kurt Walton was guest speaker, he related well to the audience. JGHS principal Mr. Jon Clark also addressed the group.

The directors of the not for profit organization Boyz2Men Cayman are: Christopher Murray, Simon Miller, Seaford Russell and Richard Wildman. The Evening of Fine Dining was sponsored by Edie's Decor, MLA David Wight, CNB, Ernest and Young, and HSA psychologist Paulette Gayle.

Several of the mothers kept on saying thank you to the directors. The boys said confidently how much they enjoyed the night.