THAT HOME by onyenuwe japheth

That home wasn’t a happy one growing up in. It was filled with endless tears with hopes of it getting better but never showed up. It got to that point when using the knife to end life was an option but thoughts of leaving mum was scary. Of course she’s alive so I gotta stand by her. 

That home where Mum never smiles more than once a week. That home where she’s beautiful today and tomorrow morning you can’t recognize her . That home where I try to defend her from receiving that heavy punch and  in return I receive the beating of my life like I’m a thief. That home where several women come in and sleep in mum’s matrimonial bed, that wasn’t a home. It was hell. It was full of sadness. 

Money wasn’t the problem, but there wasn’t happiness. Is that called home ? Of course NO! A home where I never had a man to man talk with my father for  once. A home where the only time I talk to father is when i need money. A home where mum never said to me “son, I love your father so much and i want you to always appreciate his efforts in this house. A home where mum would rather die than advise me to be like him. 

I remember that night I prayed at home for one of his mistresses(out of fear) “God please bless the child in her stomach” and nine months later she was no where to be found. I remember her giving me thirty stokes of the cane for saying the truth, i remember her using a big brush on my neck that left a scar for life there. 

I thank God for the experience nevertheless, it built me up to become the man I am today. It made me see life from a different perspective. It gave me insight about how to manage your home and not let outsiders decide or know anything that goes on in your family. It thought me to keep myself just for one woman and not chase every living being in skirt that passes by. It thought me the dangers of living in broken and violent home. 

My advice to the MEN – if you have that woman that is loyal to you, stick to her. Treat her right, love her, tell her everything, have time for her and NEVER, I mean, NEVER lay your hands on her. She deserves better from you. 

And to the WOMEN – cherish that man that cares about you and never stop praying for him. He might not be wealthy today but trust me someday he will. And forget about the pleasures outside. Keep your eyes in give him your all and believe me, you’ll never regret having him in your life.