MaCaBrLi Family Christmas Dinner 2025

 

 

 

MaCaBrLi Family Christmas Dinner 2025

 

Shot and edited by ©A. Derek Catalano.

Camera: Samsung Galaxy S9+

Software: VideoPad Editor

Free MIDI music

Miracle on Gully Wash Road - A Christmas Story

"Gully Wash Road" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Miracle on Gully Wash Road

The house leaned a little to the left, like it had grown tired of standing straight. One shutter hung loose, knocking softly against the wall whenever the breeze came through. The roof had been patched so many times with bits of tin that it looked like a quilt sewn by different hands, none of them matching. But the house was still standing, and that counted for something.

Inside lived the Rolle family.

Marcia Rolle woke before the sun most mornings, not because she wanted to but because worry didn’t allow sleep to linger. That morning was no different. She lay still for a few minutes on the thin mattress she shared with her youngest daughter, Leila, listening to the sounds of Over-the-Hill coming to life. A potcake barked somewhere down Gully Wash Road. A truck rattled past, its engine coughing like it needed medicine. The roosters that belonged to nobody in particular crowed as if they owned the place.

Marcia swung her feet to the floor and felt the cool concrete beneath her toes. The house had no tiles, just bare cement worn smooth from years of sweeping. She stood quietly so she wouldn’t wake Leila and padded into the kitchen, which was really just one corner of the living room separated by a sagging curtain.

She opened the fridge and stared.

Christmas Party Over-the-hill 2019

 

 

 This is how we do it over-the-hill, Nassau, Bahamas. 😊

Be Thankful for Family

 

 "Family Photo" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 Be Thankful for Family

The sun dips low, and shadows start to creep,
Another day concludes its measured sweep,
And as the world outside its turmoil stills,
A quiet gratitude my spirit fills.
It is a thankfulness that runs so deep,
For those within the circle I will keep.
My family, a vast and vibrant tree,
The root, the trunk, the branches shielding me.

The Ancestral Roots and Branches

We start with those who shaped our early years,
Dispelling doubts and calming childhood fears.
The parents whose devotion set the mold,
Whose countless stories never can be told
In full measure, of the sacrifices made,
The gentle hands that nurtured, unafraid.
The steady counsel, wisdom earned with grace,
That guides our steps and helps us find our place.
We’re thankful for their presence, strong and sure,
The simple love that always will endure.

And then the siblings, born of shared descent,
A tapestry of moments closely spent.
The confidantes for secrets whispered low,
The willing partners in a childhood show.
The friendly rivalry, the quick defense,
A bond forged tight beyond all recompense.
A mirror held to watch ourselves evolve,
The constant promise that they will resolve
To stand beside us, come what may betide,
With nothing left to prove and naught to hide.

The Profound Impact of Father Absence: A Crisis of Modern Family Dynamics

"Daddy Gone" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Profound Impact of Father Absence: A Crisis of Modern Family Dynamics

The conventional family structure has undergone significant shifts in recent decades, with one of the most profound being the rise of the single-parent household. While diverse family arrangements can and do foster healthy environments, a notable concern within this trend is the phenomenon of the absentee father. An absentee father is defined not only by physical absence but also by a lack of consistent emotional, financial, and psychological involvement in a child’s life. This widespread issue is a complex tapestry woven from various socioeconomic, historical, and personal factors, and its ripple effects extend far beyond the family unit, impacting individual children, mothers, and society as a whole. A comprehensive analysis of this crisis reveals its profound and often detrimental consequences, highlighting the critical role of a father's presence and engagement in a child's development.

The Negative Impact of Bad Parenting

 

 "Neglect" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Negative Impact of Bad Parenting

Introduction

Parenting is a journey, a demanding and rewarding one that shapes not only an individual's life but also the future of society. However, when this journey is poorly navigated, it can lead to devastating consequences. Bad parenting, a complex issue with multiple facets, can leave an indelible mark on a child's psyche, emotional well-being, and social development. This article delves into the core of bad parenting, exploring its various forms, its profound impact on children and society, and the potential solutions that can foster a healthier and more nurturing environment for future generations.

WhatsApp Breakup

 

 " WhatsApp Breakup" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 WhatsApp Breakup

A love once pure, a bond so deep,
Two hearts entwined, a promise to keep.
In marital bliss, our days we spent,
A tapestry woven, with sweet content.
Laughter echoed, soft whispers too,
Believing our future, forever true.
Hand in hand, we walked life's way,
Until a notification, stole peace away.

One quiet evening, as shadows grew long,
A gentle hum, a digital song.
My phone lay near, his just beside,
A WhatsApp flicker, I couldn't hide.
A message flashed, a name I knew,
His "long time sweetheart," bold and new.
My breath caught sharp, a sudden dread,
As words unspoken, filled my head.

"My dearest love," the preview read,
A knife of ice, through my heart it spread.
The world went dim, the colors faded,
A trust so fragile, instantly raided.
I turned to him, my voice a plea,
"Who is this, tell me, honestly?"
His eyes met mine, a flicker of fright,
Then a practiced calm, in the fading light.

 

 "I Don't" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Marriage Is Down

In the past, marriage was a given. Today, it’s a choice — and one that fewer people are making. Across the globe, marriage rates are declining, and those who do get married are waiting longer to do so. In many countries, more people are living alone, cohabiting without legal ties, or rejecting romantic partnership altogether. What happened? The decline in marriage isn't just a cultural shift — it's a symptom of deeper issues that have long plagued the institution. From structural inequality to emotional damage, from outdated gender roles to high-stakes financial risk, modern people are increasingly seeing marriage not as a blessing, but as a burden. The myth of marriage as the cornerstone of happiness is crumbling under the weight of hard realities.

Happy Mother’s Day

 

"Happy Mother with Children" - Bahamas AI Art

 ⒸA. Derek Catalano

 

Happy Mother’s Day

Not just a day, but a lifetime earned—
In quiet hours, in bridges burned.
In scraped knees wiped, in hard truths told,
In arms that shield, in hands that hold.

You are the engine that never stalls,
The steady step when the burden calls.
The softest touch, the sharpest mind,
The one who waits, the one who finds.

You made a home out of fractured things—
A coat of warmth, with broken wings.
You read the room when no one spoke,
And bore the weight so we wouldn’t choke.

 

 "Proud Parents and Son" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

How to Raise a Good Child

Raising a good child is one of the most important and challenging responsibilities a parent or guardian can undertake. A good child is compassionate, responsible, respectful, and capable of making wise decisions. This report provides a comprehensive guide on how to raise a child with strong moral character, emotional intelligence, and a sense of responsibility.

Incest: A Historical, Legal, Psychological, and Ethical Analysis

 

 "Gavel and Block" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Incest: A Historical, Legal, Psychological, and Ethical Analysis

 

Introduction

Incest, broadly defined as sexual relations between closely related individuals, has been a subject of legal, cultural, and ethical discourse throughout human history. While the definition of incest varies across societies, it generally includes relationships between immediate family members, such as siblings, parents and children, and sometimes extends to more distant relatives. Attitudes toward incest have fluctuated based on historical, cultural, and religious contexts. This report provides an academic analysis of incest through four primary lenses: historical perspectives, legal frameworks, psychological and genetic effects, and social and ethical considerations.

Take Pride in Your Children

 

 "Happy Family" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Take Pride in Your Children

Take pride in your children, for they are the seeds,
Sown in the garden where love meets their needs.
Nurtured with patience, their roots find their place,
Grounded in kindness, they bloom in their space.

Their first timid steps, a wobble, a fall,
A glance in your eyes can mean more than it all.
For the whispers of praise, the gleam of your pride,
Are the winds that will carry their dreams far and wide.

Take pride in their questions, the "why" and the "how,"
The way their imaginations take flight even now.
For a curious mind is a treasure untold,
A spark of the future, a glimpse of pure gold.

 

 "Birthrate" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

Report on the Birthrate and Population of The Bahamas

 

Introduction

The Bahamas, a nation of over 700 islands and cays in the Atlantic Ocean, has a rich and complex demographic history. From its early settlement by the Eleutheran Adventurers in 1648 to its present-day status as a prosperous island nation, the population trends of The Bahamas have been influenced by migration, economic shifts, and cultural transformations. This report examines the historical and current trends in population and birthrate, analyzes the factors driving these changes, and provides a forecast of future demographic developments.

Praise More, Criticize Less

 "Praise" - Bahamas AI Image

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Praise More, Criticize Less

In a world where hearts grow weary and frail,
Where dreams are fragile and hope seems pale,
What if, for a moment, we all could confess—
We need to praise more, and criticize less

---

I

See the child with eyes wide and bright,
Stumbling, learning, trying with all their might.
Their blocks may fall, their crayon may stray,
But a gentle word can color their day.

For little feet falter, and hands sometimes slip,
But laughter blooms faster than frowns on the lip.
Say, “Well done!” when effort is shown,
For seeds of praise are how confidence is grown.

When we scold too soon, when we bark at a mess,
We prune potential, we water it less.
Oh, let us be tender when young hearts confess—
To lift them with kindness, not burden with stress.

Let childhood breathe, let wonder ignite;
Praise more, so their dreams can take flight.

 

 "Missing" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Report: Why Children Run Away from Home

 

Introduction

Running away from home is a critical social issue affecting children and families worldwide. It often indicates deep underlying problems in the child's personal, family, or social environment. This report explores the causes, consequences, and potential solutions for addressing this phenomenon, using a blend of research findings, expert opinions, and case studies.

Objectives of the Report

1. To identify the primary causes of why children run away from home.
2. To explore the psychological, social, and economic impact on children and their families.
3. To propose preventive measures and intervention strategies.

The Struggle Is Real

 

"The Struggle" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

The Struggle Is Real

In the land of turquoise seas and postcard views,
Where tourists roam and the sun shines through,
Lies a story not often told or seen—
The struggle is real beneath the Bahamian sheen.

Island dreams meet days that feel long,
Waves crash hard, but the will stays strong.
Here, we’re born to salt and sand,
But life is heavy in this promised land.

Grammy Major, A Sweet Old Soul

 

 Our dear Grammy, Theresa Elizabeth Major

 from Roses, Long Is. - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Grammy Major, A Sweet Old Soul

Our Grammy Major, a sweet old soul,
Gentle, loving, and a heart made of gold,
Yet she wouldn’t hesitate, to speak her mind,
To share her thoughts, so firm, yet kind.

Born in 1900, she saw times change,
From the simple ways to the modern range,
At sixteen, she left Roses, Long Island’s shore,
For Nassau’s streets, where she saw much more.

A Family’s Bahamian Dream Vacation

"Happy Tourist Family" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

A Family’s Bahamian Dream Vacation

The Countdown Begins
In the quiet of dawn, they wake with a start,
Hearts light and eager, their journey to chart.
Suitcases open, excitement runs high,
As they pack for adventure beneath a blue sky.
Sun hats and sandals, swimsuits in tow,
Laughter and chatter, as the moments grow.
Maps and brochures spread out on the floor,
Imaginations wander to the island’s door.

Soaring to Paradise
Through the airport they stride, no stress, only cheer,
A smooth plane ride whispers, “The islands are near.”
Clouds part away to reveal a world new,
Tropical paradise, a dazzling debut.
The plane touches down with the softest embrace,
And the family steps out to the sun’s warm grace.
Palm trees sway in a welcoming dance,
As they venture forth, lost in a trance.