...She was of 20 years. She led a good life. A well-respected loving family, friends by the dozen, a college degree to pursue, a boy friend, a hundred and one million things to do; in short a picturesque lifestyle.
Hell broke lose one day, when an expression of her love and passion, had dire consequences. She found out she was three weeks pregnant. Outside wedlock, this is not the done thing.
Not just because society frowns upon it but she had her father’s reputation to protect.
He was an established preacher in the community.
Confining herself in solitude, she stopped attending classes, began gorging on books, and resorted to pills in-order to quiet the growing life inside her, until one day she was discovered.
The house had the aura of a funeral home. Quiet sobs, with an occasional wailing here and there filled up the rooms. A devastated family stood around, shocked, bewildered,
in-decisive about the next course of action. It’s a marvel how the undying human spirit shows up at such times. It guides us to pick up the broken pieces, patch them together and build an equally beautiful story of triumph.
She finally gave birth to a beautiful baby, walked down the isle with the child’s father, created a life for them as a family, working odd jobs; completed her degree, went on to attain her masters with honors. She is now in pursuit of a Phd in Education, while lecturing at a University, lovingly and selflessly putting her house in order—a handful 24/7 job needless to say, with two small kids and an equally busy husband.
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..........She is now of 40 years, single and with job. The youngest daughter in a community that, apart from handing over the family legacy to the youngest daughter, also hands over the cloak of duty and responsibility of providing, protecting and caring for the parents, old and most likely worn out with the aches and pains of life.
She had (still does) a beauty and a charm about her and yes more than a handful suitors.
Yet, she chose not the path of a married life. None of her loved ones could understand the reason why. Maybe its because she never met the right man. But on after-thought, maybe its because she wanted to give her undivided love and attention to either her aged parents or her husband but not both.
Looking at her now, juggling between her work and her nursing duty at home brings up emotions mind you, not of sadness or sympathy, but awe!
Her home is the family home, where all gathered around for family meets or occasions.
Her ears are always ready to listen and make your burdens, seem lighter.
I have heard and seen frequent nights when she remained awake all night just to cater to the needs of her invalid parents. Yes, I have heard her quiet sobs of weariness but voila, the next minute her giving, loving, compassionate spirit is back!
I realized that if I was even half the woman, the human that she is, maybe my life would be more fulfilled..,I won’t have to be another Robert Miles who says he has miles to go before he sleep.
