I was brought up in a working class home, where hard work, sacrifice and determination were the driving force. Respect for each other's opinions, ethnic background and religious beliefs have helped to shaped the person I've become.

Twenty-two years ago when Cheddi and I got married those same values that guided me through my youth would now play an important part of meshing our lives together. Although Cheddi and I may come from different backgrounds, however, I found that Cheddi's determination and hard work for example, being on his own since he was seventeen struggling to put himself through school (undergrad and dental) reinforced my beliefs and values.

Cheddi and I decided to start a family quite soon after our marriage. I felt children, were an important ingredient missing in my husband's life. From the moment our children were born there wasn't a day that Cheddi did not share in every aspect of their lives. Family came first, he took every opportunity to ensure our children had as much quality time with him individually as well as a whole family.

Vacations and holidays were always very special times for us; most of them were spent in Guyana (not including the years we lived there). My husband felt it was very important for the kids (Cheddi II, Vrinda and Avasa) to enjoy and appreciate the place many of us Guyanese refer to as home. By exposing the children to Guyana Cheddi reinforced their love and understanding of Guyana.

Cheddi's love for reading, swimming, pets, movies and a ridiculous sweet tooth are all a part of the special bond he has with his kids. I had no choice but to accept "Bud" (our dog for the past six years) sleeping in the bed and sitting in whichever chair he felt most comfortable in.

Over the years I've watched my husband grow into a fine dentist. The time and caring he shows towards his patients and the constant upgrading of his dentistry makes our family very proud. He has often told me when it comes to dentistry he has very "large shoes to fill". Something else I've noticed over the years is that Cheddi's personality has never changed, even when he was part of the first family he was a man that stood up for what he believed in and was able to fit in everywhere he went. From hopping onto a mini bus to get across town; to chatting with the vendors in the market; to eating seven curry at a wedding house. His ability to interact and understand the plight of the common man comes from a connection he has with people and they accept him as simply "Joey". Cheddi continues to self educate himself, his appetite for reading (history mainly) is amazing. He sometimes reads two or three books at the same time and he can memorize dates, times and names. The kids and I are always in awe when we review his library and try to comprehend how he found the time to read all the books that he has. All of that knowledge that he has stored over the many years will now be useful in the months ahead.

My husband, teacher and best friend for the past twenty-two years along with out children Cheddi II, Vrinda and Avasa have together embarked on a journey that might at times seem impossible, however, like everything else we've done in the past together as a family. We will take each day at time, stay focus, believe in and encourage each other. We have a great support system within ourselves; and an outer circle of friends and relatives that are always there with encouragement. When the going gets tough us Jagan's get tougher.