Drama King Teekay's CORNER

Growing up as a young boy, Dad set a standard in the family. Women aren't allowed to fetch water especially with jerrican when there are men at home. He saw that as a man's responsibility. Consequently, my sisters didn't fetch water. My brothers and I did.

I wasn't born in a wealthy home but then we weren't poor either. We live averagely and contented. We can afford the basic things of life which education was one of them. My parents where both traders. While Dad had shops away from home, Mom had a shop at the front of our residence making it easier to run the home and business effectively.

My home was a lovely one and still is even though Dad is no longer with us. He was a man of discipline and a firm believer of God. He never condoned evil or shady dealings. He instilled in us discipline and moral values. We never saw him for once quarreling with Mom or raised his hands on her. Mom never quarreled or threw back words to him. He taught us how to react to things and most especially, apologize whenever we do wrong. Mom didn't stop praying for us all. She is a model not just to her daughters but to women that ever came in contact with her.

I grew up with so many lessons learnt from Dad about marriage even though he wasn't pleased on how I later gave up enrolling in the seminary. I had always wanted to be a Priest but then I wouldn't really say what changed that dream. When they say ''A family that prays together stays together,'' my family comes to mind.

It's always a thing of joy seeing older parents celebrating their 50th marriage anniversary. It gladdens the heart knowing they withstood so many things together in love, understanding and tolerance. While we were planning on the 50th marriage Anniversary, Dad passed on in 2018. As humans, we can't question God.

Emotionally, I do feel sad when I see and read people talk about their broken homes and family torn apart. Be it a polygamous home or the irreconcilable differences between monogamous family. When love goes sour, often times the children bear the burnt and consequences of it. Sometimes, it reflect on their behavioural attitude. The traumatic experience from a home torn apart can't be described. Most times, it leaves behind a scar and an indelible mark imprinted in the heart of everyone hugely affected by the separation.

On everyone hurting from a broken home and traumatically affected in one way or the other, may you find peace and true healing. Above all, forgive the hurt it brought to you.