Hubert had the strength to not allow the color of his skin to dictate his life. How do you think he developed this strength? Have you ever defied someone else's expectations or prejudices to pursue what makes you happy?

Hubert didn't allow the color of his skin to dictate who he loved or the life he wanted to live. How do you think he developed this strength? Have you ever defied someone else's expectations or prejudices to pursue what makes you happy?

I think of the strength his mother showed when she encouraged Hubert to go to London. As much as she loved him, she wanted him to have more opportunity than was available to him at that time in Jamaica. He had the strength of her love to take with him and life was harder that he had anticipated. Together with Joyce, he made a good life for himself and his family. Hubert had strong values, a willingness to work hard and a steadfastness that served him well until he lost Joyce, Rose and David. When he lost them, he lost himself. But in the end, that strength emerged again through his relationship with Ashleigh, Jan and Emils.

Hubert was accepted in his own country. He was encouraged to go and make a better life for himself. He had confidence in himself as a good man, a hard worker, an intelligent person, and his ability to meet his own expectations. He expected to be accepted. He saw no color barrier as he had not in his life been regarded from a racist perspective. He was determined, once that began happening, to prove to them who he was, and he kept at it.

Hubert had developed his self-confidence as a child in Jamaica where his race was not an issue. He sacrificed a lot to move to England, and this further strengthened his ability to ignore the racism he faced in his new home. His ability to ignore the hate and focus on what he could control, was his strength. Rather than spend his energy fighting hate, he invested himself in building a good life through hard work and learning new skills. His relationship with Joyce further strengthened his sense of worthiness and sharpened his focus on what was good in his life, rather than the obstacles he endured.

I think at least some of that strength is inborn - a character trait. In addition to his upbringing, I think Hubert simply had that strength of character to ride above the prejudice he experienced.

When I've been underestimated, I've gotten very angry and become all the more determined to prove everyone wrong.

I honestly don’t know how people live their lives in areas where their color, religious affiliation or nationality make them feel like second class citizens. Hubert worked all his life to prove his worth as a sterling citizen. He was a man of strong character and strong principles.

The fact that the character could turn a blind eye to such discrimination is admirable. Not sure why so many bullies live in one country, especially one supposedly inhabited by Christians. But then, what were his choices. Finding a woman who also had such courage is remarkable.